With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower 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 our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate 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 cool and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid 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 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 is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Pflugerville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently 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 be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 512-355-1482 to begin now!