With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Magnolia, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive 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 suffer a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more repeatedly 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 costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost might vary.
There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We give free estimates at JTech Mechanical so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.
At JTech Mechanical, our pros have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Magnolia
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with JTech Mechanical Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. JTech Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Magnolia. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 281-231-8768 to get started now!