With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lawrence, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may 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 typically pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

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

  • 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 be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Scott Temperature, our professionals 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 house is, along with several other factors. 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Lawrence.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 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 have additional 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 adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Scott Temperature Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Scott Temperature is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lawrence. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 785-269-0465 to get started right away!