With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 tricky. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to work 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 residence cool and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] be different.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Shamokin and Sunbury.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms 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 important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 570-648-0748 to start now!