With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Safford, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 bills.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work more repeatedly 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 electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has 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 because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 total cost could be lower or higher.
There are several aspects that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at B&D Air Conditioning so you can be confident 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 crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.
At B&D Air Conditioning, our pros have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to several 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Safford
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with B&D Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. B&D Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Safford. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 928-432-6018 to begin today!