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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Bishop, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate 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 residence comfy and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest 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 different.

There are a few details that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your home is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Bishop.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • 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 tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms 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 know:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Bishop. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 760-784-9034 to start right away!