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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Bend, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater 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 experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because 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 economical. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under 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 lower or higher.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Tri County Climate Control LLC so you can know 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 crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Tri County Climate Control LLC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with a couple other things. Some of the most standard 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Bend.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms 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 important to realize:

  • Old 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tri County Climate Control LLC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Tri County Climate Control LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Bend. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 541-238-2797 to get started now!