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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 avoided annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work done. 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 include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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] be lower or higher.

There are several details that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at The Frazier Company 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 Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At The Frazier Company, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your home is, plus a few other things. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

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

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 extra 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 customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with The Frazier Company Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. The Frazier Company is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 402-628-0206 to start now!