With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Tomball, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 bills.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered 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 exact cost may vary.
There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, because 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 aging or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Premium Air Services LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic 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 will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.
At Premium Air Services LLC, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with several other things. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Tomball
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Premium Air Services LLC Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Premium Air Services LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Tomball. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 713-364-9957 to begin now!