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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Central Point, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses 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 made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 different.

There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We provide free estimates at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good 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 small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, along with a few other considerations. 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 temperatures in Central Point.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Dated 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 mandates. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Titan Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Central Point. From helping you select the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 541-286-6617 to start now!