With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced 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 are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise 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] be different.

There are several details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Kapaun & Brown so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Kapaun & Brown, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus several other considerations. 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 temperatures in Marshalltown.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house receives 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 ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kapaun & Brown Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Kapaun & Brown is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 641-812-2028 to get started now!