With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Temple/Belton , we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals 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 regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one 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 regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to 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 very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give free estimates at Bell Air Conditioning Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Bell Air Conditioning Inc, our professionals 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 few other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Temple/Belton .
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bell Air Conditioning Inc Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Bell Air Conditioning Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Temple/Belton . From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 254-307-9572 to start right away!