With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Payson, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because 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 very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple other things. Some of the most typical 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 temperatures in Payson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Payson. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 928-263-8570 to begin today!