With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Magnolia, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are a few factors that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since 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 dated or damaged.
We provide free estimates at JTech Mechanical so you can be confident 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.
At JTech Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, in addition to several other factors. Some of the most typical 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 house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be less efficient.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people live in your home.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with JTech Mechanical Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. JTech Mechanical is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Magnolia. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 281-231-8768 to begin right away!