With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Mount Hope, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one 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, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 several details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Appalachian Heating so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide 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 critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Appalachian Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Mount Hope.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could 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 installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Appalachian Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Mount Hope. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 304-707-0600 to begin today!