With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Hudsonville, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to 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 very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Hudsonville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Hudsonville. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at (616) 319-1436 to begin right away!