With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Justin, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called 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, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Pepper AC & Heat so you can know 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 big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Pepper AC & Heat, 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 residence is, plus several other factors. 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 temperatures in Justin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pepper AC & Heat Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Pepper AC & Heat is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Justin. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 940-202-1184 to get started now!