With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lafayette, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might 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 ages. Consequently, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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 portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at AC Sales so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At AC Sales, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other considerations. Some of the most standard 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 weather in Lafayette.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 mandates. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might 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 AC Sales Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. AC Sales is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lafayette. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at (337) 234-2345 to start right away!