With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in West Allis & Milwaukee area, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging 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 very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 different.

There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at Done Right Air so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Done Right Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, plus a few 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in West Allis & Milwaukee area.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked 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 crucial to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Done Right Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Done Right Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in West Allis & Milwaukee area. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 414-208-9000 to begin today!