With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Wausau, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. 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 replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 could vary.
There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Gilray Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 essential. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.
At Gilray Heating and Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your home is, along with several other factors. Some of the most common 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Wausau
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gilray Heating and Cooling Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Gilray Heating and Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Wausau. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 715-301-0727 to begin today!