With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, 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 less expensive electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Winnipeg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently 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 essential to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 mandates. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 204-272-8128 to get started right away!