With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since 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 old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Lakeside Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a great 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Lakeside Heating & Air, our techs 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 several other factors. 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 factors 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, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Lakeside Heating & Air Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Lakeside Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Chelan and Wenatchee. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financin