With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Northridge, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical 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 typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your 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 recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring 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 maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, like:

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

We give free estimates at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating 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 essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, 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 few other things. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Northridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating 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 be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime 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 puts it in is just as essential 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 select the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at (818) 727-9993 to get started today!