With ample 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 getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Tucker, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical 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 time through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups. 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 residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is covered 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 vary.
There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We give free estimates at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates 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 house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a few other things. 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 Tucker
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- 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 a minimum of 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Tucker. From helping you select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 770-450-1539 to begin today!