With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. 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 Auburn, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Forster Heating so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Forster Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, plus a couple other factors. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Auburn.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Forster Heating Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Forster Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Auburn. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 530-885-8081 to start right away!