With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Central Point, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electricity bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting 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 pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your utility 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 residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical bills 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 known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to 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 very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost may be different.
There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We offer free estimates at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a few other things. 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Central Point
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
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 rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Older air conditioners are ranked 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Titan Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Central Point. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 541-286-6617 to begin today!