With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Plover, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] be different.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, 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 aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Point Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with 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 home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Point Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most common 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 climate in Plover.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Point Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it 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 house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 715-504-0533 to begin now!