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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Safford, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance 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 keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at B&D Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At B&D Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a couple other things. 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 Safford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with B&D Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. B&D Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Safford. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 928-432-6018 to begin today!