With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Houston, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side 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 enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your 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 pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because 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 since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 different.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at Air Current AC & Heat so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic 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 crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Air Current AC & Heat, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your house is, along with several other considerations. 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 climate in Houston.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Current AC & Heat Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Air Current AC & Heat is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Houston. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 713-322-4318 to begin right away!