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 at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Yukon, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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|could|may] vary.

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

  • 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 old or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized 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 act can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, plus several other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Yukon.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for 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 important as the model you select. Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Yukon. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 405-494-7444 to begin right away!