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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lawrence, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. 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 work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Scott Temperature, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your house is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

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

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, 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 hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Scott Temperature is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lawrence. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 785-269-0465 to start now!