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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Arlington, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it could need to operate 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 comfy and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 few aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus several other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Arlington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 requirements. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Arlington. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 360-255-5857 to start right away!