With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper cooling 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 can be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
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 total cost might be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Siloam Springs Heating & AC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.
At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, our techs 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 a few other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Siloam Springs
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home receives 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Siloam Springs Heating & AC Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Siloam Springs Heating & AC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 479-308-8176 to get started right away!