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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Spokane, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying 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 enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older 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 home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Bigfoot Mechanical so you can be sure 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 critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Bigfoot Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a couple 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 weather in Spokane.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

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 bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bigfoot Mechanical Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Bigfoot Mechanical is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Spokane. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 509-392-8770 to get started today!