With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electricity bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower 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 result of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental 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

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Halverson Brothers Inc 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Halverson Brothers Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses 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 essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Halverson Brothers Inc Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Halverson Brothers Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. From helping you find the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 715-352-4052 to get started now!