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 eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Northridge, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, our professionals 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 residence is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most typical 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Northridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, 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 often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Northridge. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at (818) 727-9993 to start now!