With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper 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 might be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one 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 regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets 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 comfy and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad 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 since 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 lower or higher.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, such as:

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

We give free estimates at The Frazier Company so you can be sure 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 essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At The Frazier Company, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, in addition to several 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Omaha.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked 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 buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with The Frazier Company Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. The Frazier Company is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 402-628-0206 to begin today!