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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in McAllen, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive electricity 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 recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. 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 residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 lower or higher.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other factors. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in McAllen.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher 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 classified 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in McAllen. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 956-553-3265 to start now!