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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Thedford, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting 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 get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We offer free estimates at Taylor's Heating & 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 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 residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Thedford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Thedford. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 519-296-4437 to start now!