With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Phoenix, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Integrity AC & Heating LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Integrity AC & Heating LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Phoenix.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Integrity AC & Heating LLC Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Integrity AC & Heating LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Phoenix. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 602-971-0567 to begin today!