With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Circleville, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive electricity bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 covered by 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your house is, in addition to a couple 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 temperatures in Circleville.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people live in your home.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Circleville. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 740-474-5940 to begin now!