With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Payson, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 are infrequent or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on 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.

Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a few details that affect your total cost, such as:

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

We give free estimates at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling 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 Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, along with a few other factors. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Payson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may 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 Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Payson. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 928-263-8570 to start now!