With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lincoln, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. 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 humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate 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 home comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 lower or higher.

There are several details that impact your total cost, like:

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

We offer free estimates at AW Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your residence is, along with 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Lincoln.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with AW Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you go with. AW Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lincoln. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 402-438-7992 to begin right away!