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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Monroe, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, plus 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Monroe.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Lanz Furnace and Fireplace is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Monroe. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 608-291-3606 to start today!