With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a good 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 essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus a couple other considerations. 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 Pflugerville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • 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 ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 mandates. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may 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 go with. Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 512-355-1482 to begin right away!