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 updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting 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 advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses 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 manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 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 smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as 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 dated or separated.

We offer free estimates at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Omaha.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, 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 ranked 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 402-509-5940 to start now!