With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Crystal and Twin Cities, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy bills down.
  • 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 known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental 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 very 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big 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, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as 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 dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at GV Heating & Air 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. 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 often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At GV Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Crystal and Twin Cities.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 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 come with extra 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 reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with GV Heating & Air Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. GV Heating & Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Crystal and Twin Cities. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 763-535-2000 to begin now!