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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Tucson, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower utility 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 professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as 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, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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, including:

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

We give free estimates at Ambient Air so you can know you’re getting a great 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 crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Ambient Air, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your house is, along with a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Tucson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence 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 ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Old 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ambient Air Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Ambient Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Tucson. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 520-357-4912 to start right away!