With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Justin, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad 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 extremely expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, like:

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

We offer free estimates at Pepper AC & Heat so you can be confident you’re getting a good 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 essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Pepper AC & Heat, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, along with several other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Justin.
  • 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 has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

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 uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pepper AC & Heat Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Pepper AC & Heat is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Justin. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 940-202-1184 to start right away!