With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity 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 may be difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big could 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 may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Ilten's, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Cedar Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses 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 crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ilten's Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Ilten's is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 319-208-2351 to begin now!