With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Rapid City, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate 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 difficult. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We provide free estimates at Precision Mechanical so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Precision Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Rapid City.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
- If your residence receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people are in your family.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Precision Mechanical Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Precision Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rapid City. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 605-206-3766 to get started today!