With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lawrence, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Scott Temperature 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Scott Temperature, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Lawrence.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in 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 lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Scott Temperature Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Scott Temperature is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Lawrence. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 785-269-0465 to start right away!