With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Excelsior Springs, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping maintenance 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so 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 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 advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Colvin's Heating and Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great 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 essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could 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 variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Colvin's Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple other considerations. Some of the most standard 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 Excelsior Springs.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Colvin's Heating and Cooling 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. Colvin's Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Excelsior Springs. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 816-379-3918 to get started today!