With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. 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 Columbia, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower utility 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 difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, 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 comfy and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

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

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We offer free estimates at Watts Electric & AC 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.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Watts Electric & AC, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Columbia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Watts Electric & AC Now

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