With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. 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 Rapid City, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to run more frequently 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 residence comfortable and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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

There are several details that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Precision Mechanical so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Precision Mechanical, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, plus several other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Rapid City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Precision Mechanical Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Precision Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rapid City. From helping you find the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 605-206-3766 to get started now!