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 updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more repeatedly 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 comfy and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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] vary.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at Lakeside Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big 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 prematurely. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Lakeside Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus a couple 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Chelan and Wenatchee.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking 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 important to realize:

  • 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 at least 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Lakeside Heating & Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Lakeside Heating & Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Chelan and Wenatchee. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 509-284-4265 to start now!