With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 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 are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping 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 skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives 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, 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 a few factors that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We provide free estimates at Watts Electric & AC so you can be sure 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 critical. 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 often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Watts Electric & AC, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, plus a few other things. Some of the most common 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 Columbia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Watts Electric & AC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Watts Electric & AC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Columbia. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 601-736-7362 to get started right away!