With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in the Rio Grande Valley, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one 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 annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might 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 home comfy and electrical costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 be lower or higher.
There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple 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 weather in the Rio Grande Valley
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in the Rio Grande Valley. From helping you find the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 956-630-3522 to get started right away!