With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical 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] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, such as:

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

We give free estimates at Ilten's so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Ilten's, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cedar Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune 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 may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ilten's Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Ilten's is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 319-208-2351 to start right away!