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

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 silver lining is that buying 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 receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

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 routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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] be different.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Select Comfort Systems so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Select Comfort Systems, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a couple other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in West Valley City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Select Comfort Systems Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Select Comfort Systems is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in West Valley City. From helping you find the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 801-305-4777 to begin today!