With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big 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 residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made 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, repairing that would be very 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Halverson Brothers Inc so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Halverson Brothers Inc, 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 spacious your home is, along with 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 regulations. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Halverson Brothers Inc Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. 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 discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 715-352-4052 to get started right away!