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

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

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

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 routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental 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 very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. 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 include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to 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 climate in Bishop.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Bishop. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 760-784-9034 to get started right away!