With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower cooling 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 can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • 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 produced 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 very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Connolly Electric & Mechanical so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits 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 big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus a few other things. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cottonwood & Prescott.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 ranking measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Connolly Electric & Mechanical Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Connolly Electric & Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 928-251-4327 to begin right away!