With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Buellton, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] be different.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a couple 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Buellton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • 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 a minimum of 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential 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 select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 805-242-9638 to get started right away!