With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Rio Grande Valley, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower utility 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 our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. 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 muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. 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 home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use 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

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 typically 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 under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., our techs 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 home is, plus a few other considerations. 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 impact 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 can be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could 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 puts it in is just as important 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 recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 956-630-3522 to get started right away!