With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Belton, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity 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 advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 avoided routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Myers Furnace Company 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Myers Furnace Company, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your house is, along with a couple 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Belton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified 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 regulations. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Myers Furnace Company Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Myers Furnace Company is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Belton. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 816-249-1619 to start today!