With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, because of 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 cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Omaha.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 rating measures how proficiently 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 crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 402-509-5940 to start right away!