With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical bills low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 be different.
There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We provide free estimates at B & G HVAC so you can be confident you’re getting a great 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 won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.
At B & G HVAC, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your house is, plus several 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Marshalltown
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 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 essential to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & G HVAC Now
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. B & G HVAC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 641-316-3360 to get started now!