With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Wausau, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, 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 home comfortable and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Gilray Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your home 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 house is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Wausau.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big 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 ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gilray Heating and Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Gilray Heating and Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Wausau. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 715-301-0727 to begin today!