With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Buellton, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are several factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs 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, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Buellton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home gets 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 ranking measures how efficiently it consumes 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 essential to know:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy mandates. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Buellton. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 805-242-9638 to begin now!