With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Bishop, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 expenses.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can lead to reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your home 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 clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
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 unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost may be lower or higher.
There are a few factors 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 required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.
At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Bishop
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it transforms 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 important to be aware:
- 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning Now
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Bishop. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 760-784-9034 to start right away!