With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Plover, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to work more often 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 cooling costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 several details that impact your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at Point Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Point Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your home is, in addition to 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Plover.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Point Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Point Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Plover. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 715-504-0533 to start today!