What Does A New AC Unit Cost?
With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lodi, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for 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 may be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling costs down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old: If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical: The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty: Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Typical Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, as 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 aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at Tokay Heating & Air 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.
The Size Of The AC System
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Tokay Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Lodi.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people are in your family.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation With Tokay Heating & Air Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Tokay Heating & Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lodi. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at (209) 257-3156 to start right away!
