
With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Huntsville, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 different.
There are a couple of details that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your home is, along with 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Huntsville.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Huntsville. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 256-801-4701 to begin today!