With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Magnolia, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on 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 made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at JTech Mechanical so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At JTech Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, in addition to several 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Magnolia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 regulations. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may 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 hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. JTech Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Magnolia. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 281-231-8768 to begin right away!