With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Rapid City, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets old, 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 isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 total cost might be different.
There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Street Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Street Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, along with a few 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Rapid City
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it may 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 Street Heating and Cooling Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Street Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rapid City. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 605-206-3915 to start right away!