With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Alice, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Rescue Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a good 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 crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Rescue Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with several other factors. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Alice.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home 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 number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rescue Heating & Air Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Rescue Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Alice. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 361-265-4371 to begin right away!