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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Ames, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced 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 gets older it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Haselhoff Air Solutions so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic 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 essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Haselhoff Air Solutions, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, along with several other factors. Some of the most common 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Ames.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Haselhoff Air Solutions Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Haselhoff Air Solutions is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Ames. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 515-450-8739 to get started today!