With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Auburn, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 skipped regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental 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 quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Forster Heating so you can be sure 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Forster Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, along with a few other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Auburn.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • 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 a minimum of 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Forster Heating Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Forster Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Auburn. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 530-885-8081 to get started now!