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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Phoenix, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes 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 house comfy and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 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.

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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Integrity AC & Heating LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Integrity AC & Heating LLC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, plus a few other factors. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Phoenix.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Integrity AC & Heating LLC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Integrity AC & Heating LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Phoenix. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 602-971-0567 to begin today!