With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Eastland, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this important service can lead to reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 precise cost may be different.
There are a few details that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at J & J Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.
At J & J Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus several other factors. 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Eastland
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms 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 important to realize:
- Old air conditioners are rated 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with J & J Air Conditioning Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. J & J Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Eastland. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 254-355-3833 to begin now!