With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lafayette, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
General Estimate of 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 {might|could|may] be different.
There are several aspects that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at AC Sales so you can be sure 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 Sizing
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.
At AC Sales, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus several 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Lafayette.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people are in your household.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Kickstart 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 critical as the model you go with. AC Sales is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lafayette. From helping you find the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 to begin now!