With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Alice, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging 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 because 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unexpected 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 has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Rescue Heating & Air so you can know 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Rescue Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to several other factors. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Alice.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rescue Heating & Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Rescue Heating & Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Alice. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to begin now!