With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Mankato area, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electrical bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills low.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
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 needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest 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 exact cost could vary.
There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Northern Comfort Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.
At Northern Comfort Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus a couple other things. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Mankato area
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms 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 important to realize:
- 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Northern Comfort Inc Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Northern Comfort Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Mankato area. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 507-387-6596 to get started today!