With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Branchville, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electricity 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 we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing 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 often the consequence of not doing service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly 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 residence comfortable and energy expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have routine service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost might be different.
There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide 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 small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.
At Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your house is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Branchville
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Old 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Branchville. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 862-345-6896 to start today!