With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly 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 residence cool and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called 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 experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your residence 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Wisconsin Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence 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 ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 715-301-0256 to get started today!