With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. 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 know that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower cooling 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 difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have 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 less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 up to your manufacturer, but it provides 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, based on 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 lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give 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 crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, our professionals 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 couple other things. 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 St. Charles Parish.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may 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 Mayeuxs AC & Heating Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. 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 ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 to start today!