With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Chadron, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive 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 pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big 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, per 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 lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give free estimates at MPC Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At MPC Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, plus a few other considerations. Some of the most common 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Chadron.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with MPC Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. MPC Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Chadron. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 308-832-4321 to get started today!