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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying 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 better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on 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, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated 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 is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Ilten's 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 works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Ilten's, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, plus several 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cedar Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ilten's Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Ilten's is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 319-208-2351 to get started today!