With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

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 realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When 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 work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically 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 protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 couple of details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Anderson Heating & A/C so you can be confident 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 house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Anderson Heating & A/C, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your house is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Carson City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 regulations. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Anderson Heating & A/C Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. 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 reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 775-230-7628 to start right away!