With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning 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 might be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently 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 house comfortable and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured 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, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are several aspects that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as 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 old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Gilray Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other things. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Wausau.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses 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 essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gilray Heating and Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Gilray Heating and Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Wausau. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 715-301-0727 to start right away!