With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lincoln, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that affect your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at AW Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good 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 critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Lincoln.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Old 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with AW Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. AW Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Lincoln. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 402-438-7992 to start now!