With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Holdrege, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often 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 cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by 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

The majority of 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 different.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Durable Service so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Durable Service, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your home is, plus several 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Holdrege.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Durable Service Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Durable Service is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Holdrege. From helping you select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 308-995-8177 to begin now!