With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Narvon, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper 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 can be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big 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, according to 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 aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at Ameri-Tec so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full 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 crucial. A system that’s too small 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 behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Ameri-Tec, our professionals 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 house is, plus several other considerations. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Narvon.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives 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 number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, 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 Ameri-Tec Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Ameri-Tec is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Narvon. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 717-479-4950 to get started today!