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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lansing, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial 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 often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Everest Heating & Cooling 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 accommodates just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Everest Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Lansing.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Dated 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might 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 Everest Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Everest Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lansing. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 913-845-9463 to begin right away!