With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Tomball, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to 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 have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Premium Air Services LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Premium Air Services LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, along with several other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Tomball.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Premium Air Services LLC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Premium Air Services LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Tomball. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 713-364-9957 to get started now!