With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can cause reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling bills low.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have routine maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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 could be different.
There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Connolly Electric & Mechanical so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.
At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, our pros have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to several other factors. Some of the most typical 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Cottonwood & Prescott
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence has 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Connolly Electric & Mechanical Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Connolly Electric & Mechanical is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 928-251-4327 to get started right away!