With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Reinholds, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling bills low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Typical Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We offer free estimates at County Line Mechanical 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At County Line Mechanical LLC, our techs 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 house is, along with several other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Reinholds.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may 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 County Line Mechanical LLC Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. County Line Mechanical LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Reinholds. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 717-216-0846 to begin today!