With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Savage, 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 might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper cooling 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 can be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this important service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups. 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 isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent 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 amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have routine maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
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 exact cost could be lower or higher.
There are a few details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.
We give free estimates at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 critical. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.
At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most standard 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Savage
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Savage. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 952-373-0377 to start now!