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 at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Plover, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper cooling 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 might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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 extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 advise fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Point Heating & Cooling so you can be confident 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Point Heating & Cooling, our techs 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 residence is, plus several 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Plover.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Point Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Point Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Plover. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 715-504-0533 to get started right away!