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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Rapid City, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home 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 replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Street Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Street Heating and Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your house is, in addition to 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Rapid City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it uses 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 essential to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Street Heating and Cooling Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Street Heating and Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Rapid City. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 605-206-3915 to start today!