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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling costs reasonable.
  • 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 due to its damaging 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 portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, 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 old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Connolly Electric & Mechanical 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, plus a couple other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cottonwood & Prescott.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Older 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 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 come with 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 requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Connolly Electric & Mechanical Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Connolly Electric & Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 928-251-4327 to start today!