With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Pella, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top 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 called 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 develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus a few other considerations. 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 Pella.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pella. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 641-628-3621 to get started now!