With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Wausau, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Gilray Heating and Cooling so you can know 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Gilray Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, plus 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 temperatures in Wausau.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Dated 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gilray Heating and Cooling Now

When you’re preparing for 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 most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Wausau. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 715-301-0727 to begin now!