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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Arlington, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to 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 experience a refrigerant leak, fixing 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 aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 protected by warranty, we advise 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 couple of aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your house is, plus a couple other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Arlington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER 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 higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may 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 Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Arlington. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 360-255-5857 to get started right away!