With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work 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 Des Moines, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of 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 extremely 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 aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Heartland Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Heartland Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with a few 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Des Moines.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms 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 know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Heartland Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Heartland Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 515-344-3579 to begin today!