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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Des Moines, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your house 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Des Moines.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re preparing for 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 most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Des Moines. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 515-278-2900 to begin now!