With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use 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 quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work done. 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 lower or higher.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at I-Deal HVAC 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 Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may 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 may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At I-Deal HVAC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple other factors. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Albuquerque.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives 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 number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with I-Deal HVAC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. I-Deal HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 505-445-1250 to start right away!