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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cache Valley, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, such as:

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

We offer free estimates at Western Mechanical, Inc. so you can be sure 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Western Mechanical, 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 residence is, along with a couple other things. 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 climate in Cache Valley.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 well 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 crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Western Mechanical, Inc. Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Western Mechanical, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cache Valley. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 435-753-5515 to get started right away!