Central AC: Repair or Replace?

The heat wave that has hit Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer has had many homeowners calling AC repair companies to find out whether it still makes sense to repair their older central air conditioners or if replacement is a better option.

One 5 ton and two 3 ton American Standard 15 SEER super quiet units were installed at this 6,000 square foot home in Tarzanna.

After the unit reaches a certain age several factors can make it more sensible to replace the central AC rather than continually invest in costly repairs.

Repair or Replace Factors For Homeowners

Age of the Central AC and Heating Unit - Is your central Air conditioner older than 10 years? Depending on the brand and the quality of the installation 10 years can be the point at which equipment may start breaking down and requiring higher repair bills each season.

Higher Energy Bills in Summer - It won't come as a surprise to hear that your old Air conditioner is not much of an energy saver. By upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioner or heat pump system you can expect to save approximately 40% in energy costs.

R22 Refrigerant is Leaking - Refrigerant is a toxic substance controlled by the EPA. It's expensive and reoccurring leaks are an indication that major repairs are needed.

Cost of Repairs - In Los Angeles Air Conditioning repairs are not cheap! If the cost of repair is more than $750 you are 1/4 of the way to a replacement AC unit. Remember you don't always have to replace the entire system. You can replace the AC only.

Frequency of Repairs - Even when AC repair costs are minimal, say $150 per repair, if you are having your central AC several times per year it may be time to consider a replacement unit.
A good central air conditioning contractor will help you decide what is best for you and for your home. It's always a good idea to get 3 different prices for replacing your central air conditioning and many San Fernando Valley air conditioning contractor will give a free estimate.

Burbank Gets Extra Energy Efficiency Rebates

CONGRATULATONS! Burbank heating and air conditioning customers get extra rebates and incentives, for energy efficiency, that the rest of Los Angeles doesn't qualify for. That is because BWP, Burbank Water and Power, is offering residents and business owners FREE money to make energy efficient rennovations to their homes and bussinesses. Check out the programs on their website at BurbankWaterandPower.com

Home owner AC - Get up to $110 for having your central heating and air conditioning system tuned up.

Revieve up to 50% of the cost of the job back when you install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

BWP provides most Burbank businesses with a free energy survey of their facility. Then you can get up to 25% of the cost of the job back in rebates when you replace your heating or air conditioning equipment with energy efficient an HVAC system.

Every Home Buyer Needs to Know ...

If you, or someone you know, is purchasing a home or refinancing I have great news for you! You may be eligible for a special type of loan that rolls the cost of an energy efficient remodel into your mortgage. You pay for it solely with energy bill savings! I know it sounds too good to be true. But it is real and not a lot of people know about this great program called Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

EEM will finance new Windows, new Heating and Air Conditioning equipment installed, a new Solar Panel Energy System, Insulation, Electricity Upgrades, new Water Tank, even new Appliances!

Up to $25,000 worth of home improvements are done during escrow, refinancing, or soon after.

But it gets better! Ask your Realtor to get you started with $250 toward an energy audit. Your Realtor is in a position to give you $250 free money to get an energy audit on the property through REAP, the Realtors Energy Audit Program.

If you are buying a home I urge you to look into this program. I hope you can make it work for you. If you know someone buying a home please feel free to pass along this email.

Best regards,
Dean Gilford

PS - This can also be used for small apartment buildings.