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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Huntsville, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved 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.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called 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 experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Huntsville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Huntsville. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 256-801-4701 to begin now!