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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Thousand Palms, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving 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 aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work 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 are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, such as:

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

We provide free estimates at Marios Air Conditioning 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 essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Marios Air Conditioning, 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 big your home is, along with a couple other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Thousand Palms.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Marios Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Marios Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Thousand Palms. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 760-314-4766 to get started right away!