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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Ilten's so you can know 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Ilten's, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other factors. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Cedar Rapids.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ilten's Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. 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 house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 319-208-2351 to start right away!