With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting 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 enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower cooling 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 may be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency 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 most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more 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 stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Winnipeg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 204-272-8128 to start right away!