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 updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at I-Deal HVAC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At I-Deal HVAC, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your home is, along with a few 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Albuquerque.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 mandates. 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could 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 critical as the model you choose. I-Deal HVAC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 505-445-1250 to start today!