We all know just how hot it can be here in this part of California, especially during the summer. Therefore, you deserve to own a great air conditioning system to keep you and your family cool and comfortable all season long! If you own a not-so-great system or if you’re having an AC installed for the first time, you’re in luck!
What’s the Best Way to Choose a New AC and Furnace Replacement System?
Upgrading both your air conditioner and furnace at the same time can improve efficiency, balance comfort, and simplify maintenance. Here’s a focused guide:
- Assess age + repair history: Replace if units are over 12–15 years old, need frequent repairs, or cause rising energy bills.
- Select the right type: Choose a central AC, ductless system, heat pump, or evaporative cooler based on your home’s ductwork, climate, and comfort needs.
- Ensure proper sizing: Have a professional perform a load calculation to match system capacity to your home’s square footage and insulation.
- Install together for compatibility: Matching a high-efficiency AC with a new furnace (or heat pump) ensures optimal system integration and maximum energy savings.
- Hire a licensed HVAC pro: Professional installation guarantees warranty protection, correct refrigerant charge, airflow setup, and safe electrical and duct connections.
To get you started, we have provided our quick guide to AC installation in Modesto, CA. Of course, it is always best to contact a professional for the installation of your new air conditioner, especially since we will know how to match it to your specific home and needs for maximum efficacy and efficiency. That said, we’re sharing this guide with you not as a “how-to” instruction, but as a guide to why it’s important to trust a professional for the job!
Step 1: Remove and Dispose of Your Old AC Unit
The first step in installing a new air conditioner is knowing when to replace your current system. There are a number of signs that suggest it’s time for a replacement. Consider replacing your AC if:
- It’s Old: Although built to last, the average useful service life of an AC is anywhere between 10–15 years. If your system has aged beyond this average life expectancy, it might be time for a replacement.
- It Requires Frequent Repair: In general, your AC should not require more than just a couple of repairs every few years. If you’ve found yourself paying 50% or more of the cost of a new AC on repairs, it’s better just to invest in a new system.
- It’s Costing You More Money: If you’ve noticed that your monthly energy bills are rising, it could just be that your AC is worn out and inefficient. Consider a replacement if this is the case, why cooling costs rise may help you better understand what’s going on.
Step 2: Choose the Right-Sized AC for Your Home
Just because you’ve owned a central AC in the past, doesn’t mean that you have to install that same system again. There are plenty of options that homeowners have when it comes to keeping their homes nice and cool,
- Central Air Conditioners
- Evaporator Coolers
- Heat Pumps
- Ductless Systems
- Inverter AC
Our team can explain the pros and cons of each, along with AC efficiency rating basics to guide your choice. We’re here to help you make an educated decision on which is best for your home!
Step 3: Hire a Licensed Pro for AC Installation
After you’ve been matched with the system that will best meet your cooling needs, it is time to have the system properly sized and installed. When we say “sized,” we do not mean calculating the amount of space the system will take up (though that is part of the equation). What we are referring to is ensuring that the amount of cooling output the system provides is sufficient for your space.
Professional installation is key to ensuring the long and successful service life of your system, so do not trust the job to anyone except a licensed and trained HVAC professional. If you’re unsure how to stay cool during extreme heat, these hot weather cooling tips can help until your new system is in place. Sure, there are going to be plenty of amateurs willing to service your system, but sometimes an attempt to save money can end up costing you much more in the long run. It is always best to consult with a professional before you make any final decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the signs that I should replace my air conditioning system rather than repairing it?
Answer: You should consider replacing your AC if it’s more than 10–15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or causes significantly higher energy bills. Generally, if repair costs reach about half the price of a new system, replacement is more cost-effective.
Question: What types of AC systems can I choose from when installing a new unit?
Answer: You have several options, including central air conditioners, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, ductless mini‑splits, and inverter ACs. Each system type has its own benefits, and a professional can help you choose one based on your home’s layout and cooling needs.
Question: Why is professional sizing and installation important for a new AC system?
Answer: Proper sizing ensures the unit delivers optimal cooling for your space without wasting energy. Professional installation ensures safe connections, correct refrigerant levels, and efficient performance—helping the system last longer and work reliably.
Question: How long does a new AC installation usually take?
Answer: A typical split‑system installation can take anywhere from 4–8 hours up to a full day, depending on system type, existing ductwork, and any upgrades needed. More extensive ducted systems may take multiple days.
Question: What should I do to prepare my home before installation?
Answer: Prepare by clearing the installation areas, ensuring unobstructed outdoor unit placement, and checking that your electrical system can support the new AC. Your technician may recommend dedicated circuits or wiring upgrades.
To schedule your air conditioning services, be sure to contact the experts at DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc.