With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Des Moines, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, because of 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 cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals 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 planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have routine work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 could be lower or higher.
There are several 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 required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Heartland Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Heartland Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a few other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Des Moines
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Heartland Heating & Cooling Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Heartland Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 515-344-3579 to begin right away!