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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Auburn, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has 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 keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop 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 no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed 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 complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At Forster Heating, 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 house is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 climate in Auburn.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big 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 number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Forster Heating Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Forster Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Auburn. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 530-885-8081 to get started now!