With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Mankato area, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper 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 might be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking tune-ups 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to run 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 residence comfy and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Northern Comfort 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Northern Comfort Inc, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a couple 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 weather in Mankato area.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 mandates. 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 running 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 better SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Northern Comfort Inc Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Northern Comfort Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Mankato area. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 507-387-6596 to get started today!