With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Muskogee, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity 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 might be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance. 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, you should get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling expenses down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known 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 experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost might be lower or higher.
There are several details that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Muskogee
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- 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 rating measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Muskogee. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 918-682-8238 to start now!