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 replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lawrence, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving 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 no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Scott Temperature so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. 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 often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Scott Temperature, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your home is, plus several other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Lawrence.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Scott Temperature Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Scott Temperature is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lawrence. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 785-269-0465 to begin right away!