With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in West Valley City, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive 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 might be hard. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you install 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. Just like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently 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 residence cool and cooling costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest 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 may be different.
There are several details that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning 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 undersized will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.
At Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus a couple other considerations. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in West Valley City
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates 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 time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in West Valley City. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 801-305-4777 to start today!