With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pocatello, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive 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 suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop 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 no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 often 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 covered 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, according to 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, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Vogts Heating & Air so you can know 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 Sizing

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

At Vogts Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, plus a few other factors. Some of the most standard 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 weather in Pocatello.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Vogts Heating & Air Today

When you’re planning 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 top 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, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 208-621-0129 to get started now!