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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in McKinney and Frisco, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing 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 utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Bell Mechanical Services so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Bell Mechanical Services, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in McKinney and Frisco.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 mandates. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bell Mechanical Services Today

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