With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pella, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying 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 receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling costs low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 total cost might vary.
There are a few factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- 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 be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We offer free estimates at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.
At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, plus several 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Pella
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Now
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Pella. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 641-628-3621 to start right away!