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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Troy, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

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 frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Edington Heating & Cooling Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a few 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Troy.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Edington Heating & Cooling Inc Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Edington Heating & Cooling Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Troy. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 937-558-9478 to start today!