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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Thedford, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 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 unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

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

  • The weather in Thedford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for more 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 Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Thedford. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 519-296-4437 to begin today!