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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Alice, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. 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 residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, 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 gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could 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 house cool and utility costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since 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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

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

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Rescue Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

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 large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Rescue Heating & Air, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your house is, along with a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Alice.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence 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 getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 regulations. 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could 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 hooks it up 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 choose the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to start right away!