With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Payson, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical costs low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have routine service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 precise cost may be different.
There are several details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, 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 residence is, plus a few other things. Some of the most standard 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Payson
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Now
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Payson. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 928-263-8570 to get started now!