With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Savage, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made 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 extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

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

We give free estimates at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Savage.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • 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 tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. 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 reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 952-373-0377 to get started today!