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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Huntsville, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy expenses 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 produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, our professionals 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 house is, along with a couple other things. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

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

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 mandates. 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Huntsville. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 256-801-4701 to begin now!