With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Greensburg, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to work more frequently 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 residence cool and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at Wallpe Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Wallpe Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus several other factors. Some of the most standard 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Greensburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 additional 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 adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Wallpe Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Wallpe Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Greensburg. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 812-663-7252 to begin right away!