How to pay less for Air Conditioning in Los Angeles

Air conditioning is the number one energy expense for most Los Angeles homeowners. In fact, air conditioning can account for more than half of your total electric bill. Switching to a more energy-efficient model can help save you money.

Here are some other simple tips to save you money on your electric bills.

• Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78°F or higher - health permitting - when you’re at home.
• Set it at 85°F (or turn it off), when you're away from home.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate usage.
• Clean or replace filters regularly, according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for air conditioner maintenance and operation, such as replacing dirty filters and keeping vents clear of obstructions.
• Caulk and weather-strip drafty windows and doors so conditioned air stays inside.
• Repair leaky air ducts.
• Consider installing attic/wall insulation or other home improvements. 
• Use a fan instead of your air conditioner to circulate air.
• Open windows for cool air during the evening and early morning.
• Close blinds or other window covers to block direct sunlight.

 Los Angeles DWP is offering rebates of up to $120 per ton on new energy efficient air conditioning. There are financing options that can stretch payments for a new system over 15 years, so the payments are extremely low.

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

         If your A/C is more than 10 years old, it more than likely contains R-22.  The Federal government is in the process of eliminating this refrigerant, which is harmful to the environment.  As a result, it means that your A/C will eventually be OBSOLETE!    

new energy efficient 410A air conditioner

              Any future air conditioner service or repair on your current air conditioner with R-22 will become increasingly expensive and difficult with each passing year.  That’s one reason why the government is helping homeowners replace their old, outdated air conditioner with new, high-efficiency systems.  As an individual who has been in the HVAC industry for many years, I can tell you that there is likely NO better time to invest in a new A/C.  Here’s why:

1. When you replace your old A/C with R-22, you will get a new, highly efficient air conditioner that could REDUCE your utility bills by 20-35%!

Think of your air conditioner like an athlete.  At some point, an athlete hits a peak and can no longer compete at a high level.  The same thing can be said about your A/C.  After about 10 years, it likely doesn’t run as efficiently.  That means you’re wasting energy and paying higher utility costs!  Over time, you could be wasting thousands of dollars!  Today’s air conditioners have benefited from scientific breakthroughs and are far more efficient!  A high-efficiency A/C (with R-410A refrigerant) could reduce your utility bill by 20-35%! 

2. A new A/C will likely NEVER be less expensive!

Today’s steel prices are rising higher and higher, and as a result, the cost of air conditioners, furnaces, and all other HVAC equipment is rising.  There’s talk that these costs could continue to rise in the next few years.  If you have a 10+ year old A/C with R-22, it’s probably better to replace it now, rather than a few years from now.  Who knows what the price will be then?

3. You can benefit from the big, environmental BAILOUT!

To help homeowners, like yourself, who have A/C’s with R-22 make the transition, the federal government may grant you up to $1,500 in tax credits when you install a new, high-efficiency air conditioner in your home!

            If you choose to have your old, outdated A/C replaced, and you allow Kilowatt to install your new, high-efficiency system, you can benefit even more!!!!  Here’s how….

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

            As you know, the banking industry has tightened its lending… even homeowners with good credit are having challenges.  Knowing that, I scoured the market for lenders that are willing to provide my clients with some incredible financing options… minus all that red tape. 

         

        For example, you could have a brand new, high-efficiency A/C installed (with R-410A refrigerant) now, and when your final investment comes due, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your investment, over time, might be LESS than what you were OVERPAYING the utility company, because your old, outdated air conditioner was that INEFFICIENT!  It was guzzling energy and your money!  So, it would be as if your new A/C paid for itself!

Replacing Your Air Conditioning Equipment

In Los Angeles, home heating and air conditioning most likely represents the biggest portion of your energy bill. In the past 10 years development of new technology has drastically improved the energy efficiency of heating and air conditioning equipment. Today’s High Efficiency heating and cooling systems cost up to 60% less to operate. In fact today's HVAC equipment has become so much more efficient that it can actually pay for itself in energy savings!

This chart made by the California Energy Commission shows the savings available when you install energy efficient air conditioning.  If your existing home cooling system is old, in need of repair, or simply inefficient, purchasing a new unit, can be a long term benefit. Instead of continually paying for repairs and costly utility bills, invest in a new AC system today that will save you money for years to come.

There are many air conditioning systems available and many factors to consider when choosing your equipment. The size and age of your home, number of rooms, the climate in Los Angeles, utility costs and rebate programs are all considered when determining the system that best fits your specific needs.

There are also many financing options, rebates, tax credits and manufacturers incentives available to home owners as part of the economic stimulus.