With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Savage, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying 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 enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more 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 muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We provide free estimates at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Savage.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Savage. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 952-373-0377 to begin now!