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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Muskogee, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower utility bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called 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, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We provide free estimates at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., our professionals 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 home is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Muskogee.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable 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 hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Muskogee. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 918-682-8238 to begin today!