With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run 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 Mount Hope, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping 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 residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and electrical bills low.
  • 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 called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on 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

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] be different.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give free estimates at Appalachian Heating so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. 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 frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Appalachian Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Mount Hope.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive 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 family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it uses 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:

  • Dated 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for additional 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 installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Appalachian Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Mount Hope. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 304-707-0600 to get started today!