How do I know when it’s time to replace my air conditioning system?
If your current system is 10 years or older, you may be using more energy to get less effective results. On average, you’ll find the newer units operate about 38 percent more efficiently, saving you energy and money.

What factors do I consider when determining which air conditioning system to purchase?
The most important consideration is the size of the area that you’re trying to cool. Experienced HVAC contractors perform a load calculation before making a recommendation, taking into consideration the square footage of your home, the insulation of windows, and the amount of insulation in your walls and roof, among other factors. (A/C units are sold by tonnage). Just because a system is larger doesn’t mean you need it—it could be too much for your home! In addition, you’ll want to decide how efficient you want the system to be (SEER rating).

What does the SEER rating mean on an air conditioning system?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating tells you how efficient your cooling system is. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is, which means it will cost you less to operate it. The minimum SEER rating for a cooling system is 13 (just changed in 2006)—the highest SEER rating for a system is 19. How efficient you want your system to be determines the SEER rating for a new or replacement unit.

What do I need to know about changes in refrigerant?
The Environmental Protection Agency, through the Clean Air Act, is regulating the production and use of refrigerants. To better protect our environment, many changes have taken place with refrigerants. A chlorine-free refrigerant now available reduces damage to the ozone layer and provides an alternative to the traditionally used R22 refrigerant. Contra Costa Climate Control offers you this environmentally friendly refrigerant choice, R410A.