With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Toledo, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. 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 humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced 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 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We provide free estimates at Northwest Services 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 critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Northwest Services, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with several 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Toledo.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has 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 well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Northwest Services Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Northwest Services is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Toledo. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 419-548-5017 to start today!