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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Portland, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more 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 muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. 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 include 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 under warranty, we advise fixing it.

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

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at All Solutions Heating & Cooling so you can know 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 oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At All Solutions Heating & Cooling, 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 residence is, plus 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Portland.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with All Solutions Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. All Solutions Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Portland. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 971-245-2459 to begin now!