With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in West Jefferson, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower electricity 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 might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. 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 muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate 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 house cool and cooling costs down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost could be lower or higher.
There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We provide free estimates at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., 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 big your home is, along with a couple other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in West Jefferson
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are rated 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in West Jefferson. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 614-879-9091 to start now!