With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in The Bay Area, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 neglected routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 different.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Contra Costa Heating & AC so you can be confident 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 will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Contra Costa Heating & AC, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your house is, in addition to 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in The Bay Area.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Contra Costa Heating & AC Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Contra Costa Heating & AC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in The Bay Area. From helping you find the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 510-343-9841 to start now!