With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Kearney, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable 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 its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When 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 older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

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

We give free estimates at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your house is, plus a couple other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Kearney.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, 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.
  • 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 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 have more 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 adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Kearney. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 308-624-3485 to get started right away!