With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Plover, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Point Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Plover.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Point Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Point Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Plover. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 715-504-0533 to get started today!