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 removed at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling 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 we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have routine work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost may vary.
There are several details that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We offer free estimates at Kapaun & Brown Inc. so you can know you’re getting a good 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 essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Kapaun & Brown Inc., our pros have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Marshalltown
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kapaun & Brown Inc. Now
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Kapaun & Brown Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 641-812-2028 to get started now!