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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Carson City, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. 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 latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood 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 keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 reasonable. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 few details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Anderson Heating & A/C so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Anderson Heating & A/C, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a couple other factors. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Carson City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Anderson Heating & A/C Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Anderson Heating & A/C is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Carson City. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 775-230-7628 to get started now!