With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. 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 Sandpoint, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses 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 experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under 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 under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

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

We provide free estimates at Age Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Age Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Sandpoint.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Age Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Age Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Sandpoint. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 208-603-2210 to begin right away!