With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in West Jefferson, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electrical 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 may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has 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 develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 a few factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete 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 small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., 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 large your house is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most standard 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in West Jefferson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old 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 regulations. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in West Jefferson. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 614-879-9091 to start now!