With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Ellsworth, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • 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 happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to several 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 Ellsworth.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

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 higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • 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 at least 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Ellsworth. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 715-318-6728 to start right away!