With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lafayette, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling 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 may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 skipped regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling bills down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because 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 wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have routine service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost may be lower or higher.
There are a few 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 required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at AC Sales so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 undersized will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.
At AC Sales, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Lafayette
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 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 rated 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with AC Sales Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. AC Sales is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lafayette. From helping you select the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 to begin now!
