With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pocatello, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called 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, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by 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.

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] be lower or higher.

There are several details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Vogts Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Vogts Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, along with a few other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Pocatello.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may 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 installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Vogts Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Pocatello. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 208-621-0129 to get started now!