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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Portland, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may 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 home comfortable and cooling costs low.
  • 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 made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, 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 up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We provide free estimates at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Three Rivers Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your home is, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 temperatures in Portland.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms 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:

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Three Rivers Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Three Rivers Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Portland. From helping you select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 503-213-4433 to start right away!