With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Auburn, we know 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 realize, because of 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 cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning 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 costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could 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 home comfortable and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost may be lower or higher.
There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Forster Heating 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Forster Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to several other things. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Auburn
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home 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 proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential 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 at least 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Forster Heating Now
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Forster Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Auburn. From helping you find the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 530-885-8081 to begin today!