With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Highlands Ranch, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several details that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at PS Cool Heat so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At PS Cool Heat, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, along with a few other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Highlands Ranch.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with PS Cool Heat Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. PS Cool Heat is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Highlands Ranch. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 720-613-2210 to begin today!