Is a 17 SEER air conditioner worth it in the Bay Area?

Yes. A 17 SEER AC uses approximately 30% less energy than the federal minimum 14 SEER units. In Dublin's climate with hot summers, this efficiency difference translates to meaningful savings on cooling costs while providing superior comfort with quieter, more consistent operation.

Should I choose a heat pump or air conditioner in California?

It depends on available incentives. Heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits (up to $2,000) and utility rebates when available. However, when rebates aren't offered—as was the case for this Dublin project—a high-efficiency AC paired with a modern furnace often provides better value and similar energy performance.

What is the American Standard 5A7A7036 air conditioner?

The American Standard 5A7A7036 is a 17 SEER, 3-ton central air conditioner featuring two-stage cooling for improved comfort and efficiency. It's designed for reliability in hot climates and carries American Standard's industry-leading warranty protection.

How much can I save upgrading from an old furnace to a new high-efficiency system?

Upgrading from an older 60-70% AFUE furnace to a modern 96%+ AFUE unit typically reduces heating costs by 25-40%. Combined with adding AC where none existed, homeowners gain year-round comfort while their heating bills decrease significantly.

Is a 17 SEER air conditioner worth it in the Bay Area?

Yes. A 17 SEER AC uses approximately 30% less energy than the federal minimum 14 SEER units. In Dublin's climate with hot summers, this efficiency difference translates to meaningful savings on cooling costs while providing superior comfort with quieter, more consistent operation.

Should I choose a heat pump or air conditioner in California?

It depends on available incentives. Heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits (up to $2,000) and utility rebates when available. However, when rebates aren't offered—as was the case for this Dublin project—a high-efficiency AC paired with a modern furnace often provides better value and similar energy performance.

What is the American Standard 5A7A7036 air conditioner?

The American Standard 5A7A7036 is a 17 SEER, 3-ton central air conditioner featuring two-stage cooling for improved comfort and efficiency. It's designed for reliability in hot climates and carries American Standard's industry-leading warranty protection.

How much can I save upgrading from an old furnace to a new high-efficiency system?

Upgrading from an older 60-70% AFUE furnace to a modern 96%+ AFUE unit typically reduces heating costs by 25-40%. Combined with adding AC where none existed, homeowners gain year-round comfort while their heating bills decrease significantly.

Dublin HVAC Installation: American Standard 17 SEER AC & High-Efficiency Furnace Upgrade

Project Overview: Dublin Whole-Home Comfort Upgrade

Location: Dublin, California
Project Type: Complete HVAC system installation
Equipment Installed:

American Standard 17 SEER Air Conditioner (Model 5A7A7036)
American Standard High-Efficiency Gas Furnace (Model S9X2B080)

Previous System: Aging, inefficient furnace with no air conditioning

The Challenge: An Outdated System and a Big Decision

When this Dublin homeowner contacted Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, they were facing a situation many Bay Area residents know too well: an old, inefficient furnace that was costing more to run each year and providing less comfort.

Their existing furnace was well past its prime—struggling to maintain consistent temperatures, making concerning noises, and driving up winter heating bills. And like many older Bay Area homes, they had no central air conditioning at all, relying on portable units and fans during Dublin's increasingly hot summers.

It was time for a complete HVAC upgrade. But which direction should they go?

The Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner Question

During our consultation, we discussed both options thoroughly:

Heat Pump Consideration

Heat pumps are excellent technology—they provide both heating and cooling from a single outdoor unit and can be incredibly efficient. In many cases, we recommend heat pumps, especially when:

Federal tax credits are available (up to $2,000 under current IRA provisions)
Utility rebates are being offered (PG&E and BayREN periodically run programs)
The home is moving toward electrification goals
Natural gas costs are particularly high in the area

Why This Customer Chose AC + Furnace

After reviewing the current incentive landscape, we discovered that no significant rebates or tax credits were available for this particular project at this time. The timing simply didn't align with active rebate programs.

Given this reality, the homeowner made a practical decision:

The American Standard AC + Furnace combination offered:

Lower upfront cost compared to a comparable heat pump system
Proven reliability in extreme temperatures (furnaces excel in rare Bay Area cold snaps)
Exceptional 17 SEER cooling efficiency for hot Dublin summers
96% AFUE heating efficiency—a massive upgrade from their old furnace
Familiar, time-tested technology with straightforward maintenance

The math was clear: Without rebates offsetting the heat pump's higher cost, the traditional AC/furnace combination delivered the best value for this homeowner's situation.

Equipment Selection: Why American Standard?

The Air Conditioner: 5A7A7036 (17 SEER)

We selected the American Standard Silver 17 air conditioner for several reasons:

Efficiency That Matters

17 SEER rating exceeds the federal minimum by 21%
Two-stage compressor runs at lower capacity most of the time, reducing energy use
Duration™ compressor designed for reliable, efficient operation

Comfort Features

Two-stage operation means longer, gentler cooling cycles
Better humidity control compared to single-stage units
Quieter operation—neighbors won't hear it running

Reliability

American Standard's commercial-grade heritage
Spine Fin™ coil resists corrosion and debris buildup
10-year parts warranty when registered

The Furnace: S9X2B080 (96% AFUE)

The S9X2B080 represents American Standard's commitment to efficiency and comfort:

Efficiency Upgrade

96% AFUE means 96 cents of every dollar spent on gas becomes heat
Compared to older 60-70% AFUE furnaces, this represents 25-40% energy savings
Variable-speed blower motor further reduces electricity consumption

Two-Stage Heating

Low-fire mode handles most heating needs quietly and efficiently
High-fire mode available for the coldest days
More consistent temperatures throughout the home

Quality Construction

Stainless steel heat exchangers for durability
Quiet operation with insulated cabinet
Designed and assembled in the USA

Installation Highlights

Our team completed this installation with attention to every detail:

Proper System Sizing

We performed Manual J load calculations to ensure the 3-ton AC and 80,000 BTU furnace were correctly sized for this Dublin home. Oversized equipment short-cycles, wastes energy, and fails prematurely. Undersized equipment runs constantly and can't keep up on extreme days.

Ductwork Evaluation

The existing ductwork was inspected and sealed to work efficiently with the new high-performance system. Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of conditioned air—we made sure that wouldn't happen here.

Proper Refrigerant Charge

We weighed in the exact refrigerant charge specified for the line set length. Too little or too much refrigerant reduces efficiency and shortens compressor life.

Complete System Testing

Before leaving, we tested:

Airflow across all supply registers
Temperature differential (supply vs. return)
Electrical connections and amp draws
Thermostat programming and operation
Safety controls and limit switches

Permit and Inspection

This installation was fully permitted through the City of Dublin, with mechanical inspection to verify code compliance.

The Results: A Comfortable Dublin Home

The homeowner's reaction said it all: "We can't believe the difference."

What Changed:

Finally, Real Air Conditioning For the first time, every room in their home stays comfortable during Dublin's hot summers. No more window units, no more closing off rooms, no more dreading heat waves.

Consistent Heating The two-stage furnace maintains even temperatures without the hot-cold cycling of their old single-stage unit. No more cold spots or temperature swings.

Lower Energy Bills Despite adding air conditioning they never had before, their overall energy costs are projected to decrease thanks to the furnace efficiency upgrade.

Quiet Operation Both the indoor and outdoor units run noticeably quieter than expected—a common comment from homeowners upgrading to two-stage equipment.

Peace of Mind New equipment, professional installation, strong warranties, and a local contractor who stands behind the work.

Heat Pump vs. AC: Making the Right Choice for Your Situation

This project illustrates an important point: there's no universal "best" HVAC system. The right choice depends on:

Current incentive availability — Rebates and tax credits can shift the economics significantly
Your home's existing infrastructure — Gas line availability, electrical capacity, ductwork condition
Your climate priorities — Heating-dominant, cooling-dominant, or balanced needs
Budget considerations — Upfront cost vs. long-term operating cost tradeoffs
Personal preferences — Some homeowners prefer the simplicity of proven technology

We help every customer navigate these factors honestly. When heat pumps make sense, we recommend them enthusiastically. When traditional systems offer better value—as they did here—we say so clearly.

Dublin HVAC Services: Your Local Comfort Experts

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning has served Dublin and the Tri-Valley area for over 20 years. We're not a "one size fits all" contractor—we take the time to understand your home, your priorities, and the current incentive landscape before making recommendations.

What Sets Us Apart:

Honest assessments, not sales pitches
Proper load calculations on every project
Fully permitted installations with inspections
Extended labor warranties (5 years)
Local service after the sale

Ready to Upgrade Your Dublin Home's Comfort?

Whether you're considering a heat pump, traditional AC, furnace replacement, or complete system upgrade, we'll help you make the right choice for your situation.

Request a Free Consultation or call (925) 578-3379

We'll evaluate your home, review current rebate availability, and provide honest recommendations—no pressure, no gimmicks.

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning proudly serves Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, and the greater Tri-Valley area. We're a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractor, American Standard Customer Care Dealer, and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB. CSLB License #1076868.