With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Seymour, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, 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 cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling bills low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.
Average 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We give free estimates at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.
At Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, along with several 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Seymour.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people are in your household.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are classified 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 regulations. 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Seymour. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 920-833-7967 to get started today!