With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Chadron, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause 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 often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made 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, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical 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] vary.

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

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

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At MPC Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with a few other factors. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Chadron.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives 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 rating measures how well it transforms 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:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with MPC Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. MPC Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Chadron. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 308-832-4321 to begin today!