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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in McKinney and Frisco, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad 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 very 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Bell Mechanical 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 Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Bell Mechanical Services, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus several 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 weather in McKinney and Frisco.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently 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 crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra 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 adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bell Mechanical Services Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Bell Mechanical Services is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in McKinney and Frisco. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 888-863-0560 to get started now!