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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Monroe, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We offer free estimates at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete 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 too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, plus several other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Monroe.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Lanz Furnace and Fireplace is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Monroe. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 608-291-3606 to get started right away!