With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility costs low.
- Your air conditioner has 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 as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by 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 could vary.
There are several details that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.
We give free estimates at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a couple other factors. Some of the most common 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Winnipeg
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes 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 realize:
- Dated air conditioners are rated 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 204-272-8128 to start now!