With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

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

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, 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 usually 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 protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, along with 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Athol.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Athol. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 208-561-1226 to start right away!