With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Norco and surrounding parishes, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have 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 have a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using 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 quantities.

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 avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

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

We provide free estimates at Mayeuxs AC & Heating so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, our techs 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 house is, in addition to a couple 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Norco and surrounding parishes.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it consumes 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 essential to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Mayeuxs AC & Heating Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Mayeuxs AC & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Norco and surrounding parishes. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 to start now!