With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Odessa, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages 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 residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might 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 becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most standard 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Odessa.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 come with 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 cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Odessa. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 432-237-0168 to start now!