With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Yukon, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several details that influence your total cost, like:

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

We offer free estimates at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. 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 increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few 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 Yukon.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 regulations. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune 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 pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Yukon. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 405-494-7444 to start now!