With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Buellton, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus several other things. Some of the most standard sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Buellton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Buellton. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 805-242-9638 to get started today!