With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, 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 lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Average Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We give free estimates at I-Deal HVAC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.
At I-Deal HVAC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a few other things. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Albuquerque.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your home has more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people live in your home.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Older 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with I-Deal HVAC Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential 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 right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 505-445-1250 to start right away!