With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Thedford, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] be different.

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • 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 give free estimates at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Thedford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has 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 ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Thedford. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 519-296-4437 to begin right away!