With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy expenses down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 exact cost might vary.
There are several factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as 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 dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Cooler Tymes LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.
At Cooler Tymes LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 weather in Litchfield Park
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Old air conditioners are rated 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 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 all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Cooler Tymes LLC Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Cooler Tymes LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 623-208-6444 to begin right away!