With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Rapid City, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact 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 inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

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

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.

We provide free estimates at Precision Mechanical so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

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

At Precision Mechanical, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly 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 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 temperatures in Rapid City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Precision Mechanical Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Precision Mechanical is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Rapid City. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 605-206-3766 to begin now!