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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses 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 because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Halverson Brothers Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Halverson Brothers Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, plus a couple 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater 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.
  • 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Halverson Brothers Inc Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Halverson Brothers Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 715-352-4052 to start right away!