With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Northridge, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. 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 work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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] vary.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, like:

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

We offer free estimates at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating so you can be confident you’re getting a great 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 critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, along with several other factors. Some of the most common 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Northridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 regulations. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Northridge. From helping you select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at (818) 727-9993 to begin today!