With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. 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 Athol, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 common or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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 details that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Athol.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Athol. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 208-561-1226 to begin now!