With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs, 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 may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 avoided routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major 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 residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your house is, in addition to several other things. 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 temperatures in Siloam Springs.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may 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 Siloam Springs Heating & AC Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Siloam Springs Heating & AC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 479-308-8176 to begin now!