With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Huffman, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware of because of rebates, our special offers, and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs, and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might 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 residence comfy and utility expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has an R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 could be different.
There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We give free estimates at Air Houston Mechanical LLC 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 fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. An undersized system will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instability and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Air Houston Mechanical LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most standard sizes include:
- 2 tons, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
- 3 tons, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
- 4 tons, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
- 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet
Other things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Huffman
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows do you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:
- Older air conditioners are classified as 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 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better 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 Air Houston Mechanical LLC Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company that puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Air Houston Mechanical LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Huffman. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at (832) 957-9332 to begin today!
