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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Cache Valley, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular 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 often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as 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 damaged.

We offer free estimates at Western Mechanical, Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Western Mechanical, Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus several 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 climate in Cache Valley.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has 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 transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Western Mechanical, Inc. Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Western Mechanical, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cache Valley. From helping you select the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 435-753-5515 to start now!