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 Pella, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, due to 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 electricity 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 might be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling costs 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 common or inexpensive. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on 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.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We offer free estimates at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your house is, plus 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 Pella.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Pella. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 641-628-3621 to start right away!