With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Holdrege, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater 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 humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 lower or higher.
There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Durable Service 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At Durable Service, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Holdrege.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your home gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people are in your household.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Durable Service Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Durable Service is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Holdrege. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 308-995-8177 to get started right away!