With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 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 Payson, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less 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 economical. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

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

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, along with 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Payson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 regulations. 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Payson. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 928-263-8570 to start right away!