With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. 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 Odessa, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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

There are several details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. 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 behavior can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your home is, plus a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Odessa.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 transforms 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 be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Odessa. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 432-237-0168 to get started now!