With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Arlington, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive electrical 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 can be tricky. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 bills.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have routine work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid 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 big 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, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost might be different.
There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We give free estimates at Service Max Heating & 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 accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a few other factors. 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 weather in Arlington
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Arlington. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 360-255-5857 to start right away!