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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new 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 we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical bills down.
  • 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

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

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Kapaun & Brown, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a couple other factors. Some of the most standard 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Marshalltown.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kapaun & Brown Right Away

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