With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time 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 hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, 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 aging or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Kapaun & Brown, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, along with a couple 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Marshalltown.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may 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 Kapaun & Brown Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Kapaun & Brown is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 641-812-2028 to get started today!