With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Bloomfield, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses 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 manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 protected by 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Stanford Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Stanford Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your house is, in addition to several 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 Bloomfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • 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 at least 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Stanford Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Stanford Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Bloomfield. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 812-825-8695 to get started now!