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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Savage, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, 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 lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 tricky. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy costs 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus several 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Savage.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you go with. Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Savage. From helping you find the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 952-373-0377 to begin now!