With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Greensburg, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Wallpe Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.
At Wallpe Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Greensburg
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Wallpe Heating & Cooling Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Wallpe Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Greensburg. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 812-663-7252 to get started now!