
With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Paxinos, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased 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 tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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] vary.
There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits 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 residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
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 ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with several 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Paxinos.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
- If your residence 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. 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 life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Paxinos. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 570-648-0748 to get started today!