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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Bishop, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence 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 home. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Bishop.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going 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 higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Bishop. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 760-784-9034 to get started today!