With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Chadron, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity 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 may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent 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 ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy costs reasonable.
  • 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 called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at MPC Heating & Cooling 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 crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At MPC Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, along with a few 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Chadron.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 at least 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional 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 critical as the model you choose. MPC Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Chadron. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 308-832-4321 to begin right away!