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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher 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 having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly 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 home comfy and utility costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • 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 sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus a few 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Wisconsin Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house 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 live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up 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 select the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 715-301-0256 to get started right away!