With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Muskogee, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electricity 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 may be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your home is, along with several 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Muskogee.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 ranking measures how well 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:

  • 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 at least 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable 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. Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Muskogee. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 918-682-8238 to get started today!