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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Des Moines, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. 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 residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to run more often 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 house cool and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use 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 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 economical. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 different.

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

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus a couple other things. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Des Moines.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms 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:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 515-207-6569 to start today!