With adequate upkeep, your air conditioner will offer worry-free service for years. But, just like any other appliance in your house, it will ultimately need to be upgraded. Knowing when to install a new one is key to skip pricey repairs, expensive utility bills and comfort disruptions.

When it comes to being cool and your residence’s energy efficiency, our Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning professionals have your best interests at heart. There’s a lot that goes into deciding when your air conditioner requires replacement. Here are several points you should consider when you’re thinking about updating your 15-year-old air conditioner.

Age

Typically, the Department of Energy says most air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the midpoint. It’s recommended to begin preparing for air conditioning installation before it wears out so you aren’t sweating while you’re waiting for a new one.

Trustworthiness

How dependable is your air conditioner? Does it cool reliably, even on the warmest days? Or is it routinely malfunctioning? When your air conditioner is less dependable it’s time to initiate thinking about getting an updated one.

Repair Costs

Over your air conditioner’s lifetime, it’s expected for it to need several small repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the expenses of a new air conditioner, it’s recommended to just get a new one.

Energy Efficiency

Every air conditioner comes with a SEER rating, which rates how well it uses electricity to make cold air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at least 13 SEER according to federal rules. However, your air conditioner loses efficiency as it wears out.

As of now, 15–18 SEER is a popular ranking, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with bigger SEER ratings are usually costlier but might pay for themselves over the years through increased energy savings. And installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for additional rebates.

Comfort

Are you cool when your air conditioner is working? Or are you continuously dialing down the temperature to keep cool? An old air conditioner could have problems keeping your residence comfy because of decreased efficiency. A modern air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can reduce high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners operate at multiple speeds to fine-tune your comfort.

Noise

Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, ask us about getting a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners run at a sound level that’s like a regular conversation.

Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Adding a smart thermostat is a smart way to maximize your energy efficiency, with very little effort necessary from you. And, depending on the rebates offered by your utility company, you may be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. The majority of these thermostats can pick up on your temperature preferences and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or away and adjust temperatures as necessary.

If you use an older air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a surefire method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.

Refrigerant Type

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it potentially runs on Freon®. Also referred to as R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner runs on R-22 by checking the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant kind.

If your air conditioner is running fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever has a refrigerant leak, repairing the problem will be costly. That’s because Freon is only available in reduced, recycled amounts.

Newer air conditioners run on Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just add Puron in a Freon air conditioner, as pressure requirements are different.

Our Techs Make Air Conditioning Installation Hassle-Free

If you’re still debating whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner now, consider this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can lead to 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really add up over time.

We know that air conditioner cost is your number one question. That’s why collaborating with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Buellton and surrounding areas is stress-free and affordable. Our professionals will help you choose the right option for your needs and then discuss all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner fit your budget.

Get in touch with us at 805-242-9638 to request your free, no-pressure estimate now!