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 replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Muskogee, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest 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 avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 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 advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to several other considerations. Some of the most common 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 influence 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 might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime 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 installs it is just as important as the model you go with. 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 home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 918-682-8238 to get started right away!