With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Big Spring, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it might need to operate more often 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 house comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

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

We give free estimates at SKC AC LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At SKC AC LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, along with a few other factors. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Big Spring.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER 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 number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with SKC AC LLC Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. SKC AC LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Big Spring. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 432-203-4881 to begin now!