The life expectancy of a/c units is approximately ten years. If your a/c unit is over eight years old and you're looking at costly repair bills or exorbitant energy costs, it's time to consider replacing it. The worst thing to do is wait until it dies. You don't want to know how uncomfortable the air can be without it.
Although Los Angeles has a reputation for pleasant weather for most of the year, the air conditioning systems get a workout. L.A.'s topography is a mix of flats and hills within a micro-climate that can bring cooler temperatures into some locations while cranking up the heat elsewhere. The hottest days are just as likely to occur in late September as in mid-Summer.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioning systems can help you to realize up to 60% on your cooling expenses. That's highly significant when you consider that the greatest part of the energy costs for homes and businesses in Los Angeles is for covering cooling costs. Newer models are manufactured with equipment that delivers a minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 14. Older units, even those that have only been in use for a decade, have a SEER rating of about 9. Higher numbers mean more energy efficiency and savings.
2. Warranty
Older air conditioning units typically cost more in maintenance and repair costs. They've often outlived their warranties, making it less affordable to replace parts. However, even when there are extended warranties in place, there might not be any replacement parts available. Then what?
You see, R22 refrigerant is being phased out. All cooling equipment manufactured today uses R410A. The change was driven mostly by environmental concerns. The modern equipment is not at all compatible with the older equipment. You can't just swap out the older parts for newer parts. Total air conditioner replacement will be the only option. Why wait?
3. Environmental Friendliness
The move toward eliminating R22 refrigerant is a step toward helping the environment. The HCFCs in R22 contributes to ozone depletion. The newer R410A coolant has zero ODP (ozone deletion potential).
Smaller equipment now tackles big cooling operations. This translates into less waste material at the end of the unit's life. Many new air conditioners are modularly designed, allowing the units to be taken apart for easy cleaning, maintenance and servicing. Easier access means less time is required and labor costs are lower.
Because the newer air conditioning units can be disassembled so easily, the units can quickly be prepared for recycling. Nearly 85% of materials on some current a/c units are completely recyclable. Some even have long-life wash-and-reuse filters.
4. R22 Refrigerant
It's going to be manufactured in limited quantities until 2020. You can expect supplies to be more in demand and harder to get as time goes on. Then manufacturing will stop and no more will be made. When the last of the R22 refrigerant supply is gone, it's gone!
Its predecessor, R12 refrigerant, skyrocketed to nearly $75 for a pound's worth as it was being phased out. Do you know that the average a/c system uses 12 pounds or so? Eventually, all air conditioner coolant will be R410A. It's just not practical to spend a lot of money replacing refrigerant that's going to become obsolete. That money can be invested in a new air conditioning unit and be returned through energy savings. Read more on R22 Refrigerant Ban.
5. Indoor Air Quality
Air pollution isn't an outdoor-only problem. Indoor air quality can be compromised by smoke, radon, mold, chemicals and more. Poor indoor air quality has been proven to be a very real and serious health risk. Pollutants are released from building materials, insulation, carpeting, furnishings, cleaning products, etc. Outdoor contributors like vehicle exhaust and industrial plant chemicals find their way indoors.
For over half a century, Los Angeles residents have been joining the rest of California in striving for better air quality. The success is impressive and measurable; outdoor pollutants have been dramatically reduced. Now the focus is on the quality of indoor air. Newer air conditioning systems can trap in excess of 99% of all allergens and microscopic dust particles. They even remove bacteria and viruses from your air.
Proper installation is an absolute must in order to achieve the maximum performance from your new unit. A 2003 Consumer Report's article reminds everyone that the first step in reaching a/c efficiency begins with selecting the right a/c contractor. Installation is that important.
Enjoy cleaner air, better health and substantial energy savings while keeping your cool. Contact us to arrange for your professional air conditioner installation in Los Angeles. Put our air conditioner replacement specialists' expertise to work for you. To learn more about services LA Construction Heating and Air offers, please visit our homepage.
