With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Odessa, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more often 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 home comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 common or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 different.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your house is, plus a couple 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 Odessa.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra 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 planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Odessa. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 432-237-0168 to start today!