With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Buellton, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. 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 is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most common 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Buellton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Buellton. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 805-242-9638 to begin right away!