With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Kearney, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting 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 receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 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 emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. 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 come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your home is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most typical 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Kearney.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows might 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important 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 discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 308-624-3485 to get started right away!