With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping 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 expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause reduced efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to operate more frequently 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 house comfortable and electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental 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 very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 precise cost might be different.
There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Mayeuxs AC & Heating so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to several 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Norco and St. Charles Parish
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Mayeuxs AC & Heating Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Mayeuxs AC & Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 to get started now!