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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower utility 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 can be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it could 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 home comfy and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Tru Air Systems LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Tru Air Systems LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few other things. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Albuquerque.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tru Air Systems LLC Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Tru Air Systems LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque. From helping you find the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 505-226-3525 to get started today!