With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Sandpoint, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 precise cost could be lower or higher.
There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Age Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.
At Age Heating & Cooling, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Sandpoint
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Age Heating & Cooling Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Age Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Sandpoint. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 208-578-4258 to start right away!