With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Beckley and Mount Hope, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining 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 the years through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to expect 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 professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 skipped regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing 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 often the result of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad 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 extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest 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 total cost might be different.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Appalachian Heating so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Appalachian Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to a few 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Beckley and Mount Hope
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Appalachian Heating Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Appalachian Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Beckley and Mount Hope. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 304-707-0600 to get started today!