With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lincoln, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work 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 skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. 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 home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling bills down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with 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 no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise 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 total cost might be different.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We give free estimates at AW Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a great 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 oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus several other factors. Some of the most standard 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Lincoln
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 mandates. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with AW Heating & Air Conditioning Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. AW Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Lincoln. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 402-438-7992 to get started now!