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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Athol, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on 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 produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 different.

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

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

We give free estimates at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, plus several other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Athol.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. 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 additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Athol. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 208-561-1226 to get started now!