With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Bloomfield, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives 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, 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] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Stanford Heating & Cooling, our professionals 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, 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Bloomfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Stanford Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up 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 ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 812-825-8695 to get started today!