With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Alliance, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, in addition to a couple other considerations. Some of the most common sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Alliance.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy mandates. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Alliance. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 308-762-1613 to start today!