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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Rio Grande Valley, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 avoided annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking service 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run 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 home comfy and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. 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 frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

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 size you need depends on how big your home is, in addition to 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Rio Grande Valley.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 no less than 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might 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 installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Rio Grande Valley. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 956-630-3522 to get started now!