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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Safford, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying 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 receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy expenses reasonable.
  • 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 made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] vary.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at B&D Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At B&D Air Conditioning, 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 large your house is, in addition to a few other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Safford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since 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 family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 at least 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with B&D Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. B&D Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Safford. From helping you find the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 928-432-6018 to start right away!