With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Beckley, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 skipped regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are several details that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Appalachian Heating so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.
At Appalachian Heating, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with a few other things. 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Beckley.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Appalachian Heating Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Appalachian Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Beckley. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 304-707-0600 to begin today!