With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Muldrow, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper utility 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 can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Air Service Co., our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Muldrow.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently 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 important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Service Co. Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Air Service Co. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Muldrow. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 918-212-8943 to get started now!