With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 neglected routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can lead to reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise 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 total cost may be lower or higher.
There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We provide free estimates at Halverson Brothers Inc 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
At Halverson Brothers Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus several other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Menomonie and western Wisconsin
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:
- Older 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Halverson Brothers Inc Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Halverson Brothers Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 715-352-4052 to get started right away!