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How Much Does a New Air Conditioner Cost?

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With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Abilene, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  1. Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready 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 costs.
  2. You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  3. Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  4. Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  5. Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility bills down.
  6. Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost may be different.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Abilene Air-Tech Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Abilene Air-Tech Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your house is, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Abilene
  • Ductwork quality and age
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency
  • If your residence gets 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 ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 requirements. 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 operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Abilene Air-Tech Inc Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Abilene Air-Tech Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Abilene. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at (325) 692-5850 to start right away!

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