With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost might be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We give free estimates at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.
At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with a few other things. Some of the most common 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Wisconsin Rapids
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Dated 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical 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 select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 715-301-0256 to get started now!