With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Justin, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. 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 house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular 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 are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Pepper AC & Heat 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 essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Pepper AC & Heat, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, in addition to 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Justin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pepper AC & Heat Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Pepper AC & Heat is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Justin. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 940-202-1184 to start today!