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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Bend, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home 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 Tri County Climate Control LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Tri County Climate Control LLC, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your house is, along with several other considerations. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Bend.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses 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 crucial to be aware:

  • 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 a minimum of 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tri County Climate Control LLC Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Tri County Climate Control LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Bend. From helping you select the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 541-238-2797 to start today!