With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Swanton, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower cooling 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 tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to run 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 comfortable and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.

We provide free estimates at Northwest Services so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Northwest Services, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with a few other things. Some of the most common 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 Swanton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Northwest Services Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Northwest Services is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Swanton. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 419-548-5017 to start right away!