With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Laguna Niguel, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting 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 enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 bills.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are higher 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 having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy bills down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
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 precise cost may be lower or higher.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We offer free estimates at Ocean Air Conditioning and 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 little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating , our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus a few other considerations. 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 temperatures in Laguna Niguel
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Laguna Niguel. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 949-317-4175 to begin today!