With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Magnolia, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often 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 cool and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at JTech Mechanical so you can be confident 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At JTech Mechanical, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple other things. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Magnolia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with JTech Mechanical Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. JTech Mechanical is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Magnolia. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 281-231-8768 to begin today!