With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Justin, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling expenses down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big 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 total cost may be different.
There are several aspects that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.
We offer free estimates at Pepper AC & Htg Inc so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Pepper AC & Htg Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, plus 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 weather in Justin
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pepper AC & Htg Inc Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Pepper AC & Htg Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Justin. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 940-202-1184 to begin today!