With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pocatello, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to prevent 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 has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest 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] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Vogts Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Vogts Heating & Air, our techs 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 residence 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Pocatello.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets 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 uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 mandates. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Vogts Heating & Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Vogts Heating & Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pocatello. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 208-621-0129 to start right away!