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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Des Moines, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older 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 home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at Heartland Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Heartland Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus several other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Des Moines.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Heartland Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Heartland Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 515-344-3579 to get started right away!