With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Reinholds, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical costs low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of 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 because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have routine work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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 be different.
There are a few details that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.
We offer free estimates at County Line Mechanical LLC so you can be confident 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 critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your home 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 home. The size you need depends on how big your house is, plus a couple other things. 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Reinholds
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home receives 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 number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 mandates. 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with County Line Mechanical LLC Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. County Line Mechanical LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Reinholds. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 717-216-0846 to get started right away!