With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Tucker, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance 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, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning 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 works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your house is, in addition to several 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Tucker.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you go with. ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Tucker. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 770-450-1539 to begin today!