With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Des Moines, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental 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 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 needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that affect your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at Heartland Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a good 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 will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Heartland Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a couple other factors. 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Des Moines.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 mandates. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might 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 choose. Heartland Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 515-344-3579 to get started right away!