With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. 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 you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have routine work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 may be different.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.
At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most typical 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Pflugerville
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Evenaire Heating & 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. Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 512-355-1482 to get started today!