With ample 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 Marshalltown, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. 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 dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 suggest fixing it.
General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at B & G HVAC so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
At B & G HVAC, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. 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 climate in Marshalltown.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
- If your home receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people are in your family.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 requirements. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & G HVAC Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. B & G HVAC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 641-316-3360 to start now!