With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad 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 due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by 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 a couple of details that affect your total cost, such as:

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

We offer free estimates at Siloam Springs Heating & AC so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, along with 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Siloam Springs.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Siloam Springs Heating & AC Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Siloam Springs Heating & AC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 479-308-8176 to begin right away!