With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Bloomfield, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for 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 our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise 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 regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in reduced efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might 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 house cool and energy bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since 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 economical. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. 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 up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 total cost might be lower or higher.
There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We give free estimates at Stanford Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.
At Stanford Heating & Cooling, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with several other things. 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Bloomfield
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since 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 household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses 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 be aware:
- Older air conditioners are classified 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 requirements. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Stanford Heating & Cooling Now
When you’re researching 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 top names for air conditioning installation in Bloomfield. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 812-825-8695 to begin today!