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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pocatello, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 several details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Vogts Heating & Air, 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 spacious your home is, plus several 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Pocatello.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to 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 getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust 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 more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Vogts Heating & Air Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Vogts Heating & Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pocatello. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 208-621-0129 to start today!