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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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 run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 neglected routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more frequently 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 house cool and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Cooler Tymes LLC 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 fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At Cooler Tymes LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Litchfield Park.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Cooler Tymes LLC Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. 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 house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 623-208-6444 to get started right away!