With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lodi, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are higher 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 muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. 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 come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Tokay so you can be sure you’re getting a good 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 small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Tokay, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your house is, plus several other things. 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 weather in Lodi.
  • 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 gets 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 number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tokay Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Tokay is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lodi. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 209-257-3156 to begin today!