With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best 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 is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At B&D Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, along with 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Safford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may 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 puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. 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, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 928-432-6018 to get started today!