With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lafayette, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying 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 likely pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning 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 avoided annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At AC Sales, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with several 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Lafayette.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with AC Sales Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. AC Sales is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lafayette. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 to start today!