With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Kearney, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, plus several 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Kearney.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust 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 typically pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Thurston 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. Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Kearney. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 308-624-3485 to start today!