With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Tucson, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive utility 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 may be hard. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility bills low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 be lower or higher.
There are several details that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at A&M Heating & Cooling LLC so you can be confident 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 critical. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.
At A&M Heating & Cooling LLC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, in addition to 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Tucson
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house has 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 number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Dated air conditioners are rated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, 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 A&M Heating & Cooling LLC Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. A&M Heating & Cooling LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Tucson. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 520-200-1048 to begin now!