With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Phoenix, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper 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 might be difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this important service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 may be different.
There are a few factors that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, our pros have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, along with a couple other factors. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Phoenix
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are classified 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Phoenix. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 602-832-7808 to get started right away!