With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Holbrook, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 bills.
- You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility expenses down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are several factors that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.
We offer free estimates at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation 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 fits just about any budget.
The Size of the AC System
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.
At Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 climate in Holbrook.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
- If your home receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people are in your family.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Holbrook. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 631-460-5159 to start now!