With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Northglenn, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new 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 advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling costs down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost may be different.
There are several factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. so you can be sure 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 essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.
At Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Northglenn
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
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 higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Now
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Northglenn. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 303-452-4146 to get started today!