With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Rapid City, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your 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 more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter 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 ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. 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 residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 several aspects that affect your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at Street Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Street Heating and Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 weather in Rapid City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Street Heating and Cooling Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. 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. Reach us at 605-206-3915 to start right away!