With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Bend, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given 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 gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because 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 are infrequent or economical. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Tri County Climate Control LLC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Tri County Climate Control LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Bend.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it may 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 Tri County Climate Control LLC Today

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