With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in The Bay Area, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting 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 we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend 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 different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Contra Costa Heating & AC so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Contra Costa Heating & AC, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in The Bay Area.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Contra Costa Heating & AC Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Contra Costa Heating & AC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in The Bay Area. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 510-343-9841 to get started right away!