With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Columbia, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We provide free estimates at Watts Electric & AC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Watts Electric & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, plus a few other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Columbia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Older 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Watts Electric & AC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Watts Electric & AC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Columbia. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 601-736-7362 to begin now!