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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Alice, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and electrical bills reasonable.
  • 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 made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] vary.

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

  • 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 happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Rescue Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus several 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Alice.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rescue Heating & Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Rescue Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Alice. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to start today!