With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Monroe, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to several other considerations. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Monroe.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for 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 select. Lanz Furnace and Fireplace is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Monroe. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 608-291-3606 to begin now!