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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Athol, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking 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 is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 different.

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might 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 might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, our technicians 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 house is, in addition to a couple other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Athol.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Old 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential 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 choose the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 208-561-1226 to start right away!