New Cooling Systems for Inefficient Units
AC Replacement in Eau Claire for Systems That No Longer Cool Effectively
Gunderson Plumbing & Concrete LLC replaces air conditioning systems for homeowners in Eau Claire whose units no longer cool efficiently, require frequent repairs, or have reached the end of their operational lifespan. Older central air systems lose refrigerant charge, develop compressor failure, or consume excessive electricity while struggling to maintain indoor temperatures during summer heat. Replacement eliminates the cycle of repair costs and restores consistent cooling with modern equipment that uses less energy per ton of cooling capacity.
The replacement process begins with evaluating your existing system size, ductwork condition, and cooling needs based on home square footage and insulation levels. The crew disconnects refrigerant lines, removes the outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil, then installs a new matched system with updated electrical connections and a programmable thermostat. Proper sizing prevents short cycling and humidity problems, and modern units often include variable-speed compressors that adjust output to match demand rather than cycling on and off repeatedly.
If your current air conditioner runs constantly without cooling your home or if repair estimates approach half the cost of a new system, schedule an AC replacement evaluation in Eau Claire.
You will notice the new system reaches your thermostat setting faster and holds temperature more consistently without the loud compressor noise or vibration that older units produce. Modern air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant instead of phased-out R-22, which improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces the risk of refrigerant shortages for future service needs. The installation includes updated disconnect boxes, condenser pads, and lineset insulation to meet current code requirements.
After installation, you should see lower monthly cooling costs if the old system was more than 12 years old or had a SEER rating below 13. Units installed today typically carry SEER ratings between 14 and 18, meaning they move more heat per watt of electricity consumed, and quieter operation reduces outdoor noise that affects patios and neighboring properties.
The service does not include ductwork replacement or attic insulation upgrades, though the crew will identify airflow restrictions or leaks that reduce system performance. If ducts show significant deterioration or disconnection, separate duct sealing or replacement may be necessary to achieve rated efficiency.
What New Equipment Changes in Your Home
Questions Homeowners Ask About Replacing Air Conditioners
Homeowners replacing aging cooling systems often ask how equipment size is determined, how long installation takes, and what efficiency improvements they can expect from newer models.
How do you determine the right size AC unit for my home?
You need a load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation levels, window area, and air leakage to determine the correct tonnage. Oversized units cycle too frequently and fail to dehumidify properly, while undersized units run constantly without reaching the thermostat setting.
What causes an air conditioner to need replacement instead of repair?
You should replace rather than repair if the compressor has failed, the system uses R-22 refrigerant that is no longer produced, or repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit. Units older than 15 years typically lack parts availability and operate at significantly lower efficiency than current models.
How long does AC replacement take to complete?
You should expect installation to take one full day for a straightforward replacement with existing ductwork and electrical service. Complex installations involving ductwork modifications, electrical panel upgrades, or difficult access may require an additional day.
What efficiency improvement can I expect from a new air conditioner?
You will see the largest savings if your old system was rated below SEER 10, common in units from the 1990s, because new equipment must meet a minimum SEER 14 rating in Eau Claire. Higher-efficiency models with SEER 16 or above reduce operating costs further but carry higher upfront equipment prices.
Why does refrigerant type matter when replacing an AC system?
Modern systems use R-410A refrigerant, which operates at higher pressure and cannot be used in older R-22 systems without complete replacement. R-22 production ended in 2020, making it expensive and difficult to source for repairs, so replacing the system eliminates future refrigerant cost problems.
Gunderson Plumbing & Concrete LLC installs new air conditioning systems for homeowners throughout Eau Claire who need reliable cooling and lower operating costs. Reach out to request an evaluation and replacement estimate before the peak cooling season.