With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper utility 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 may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can cause reduced efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. 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 home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility expenses down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 under warranty, we advise 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 several aspects that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We give free estimates at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other things. 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 weather in Omaha
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher 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 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 402-509-5940 to begin today!