With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Cambridge, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping 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 home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
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 vary.
There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full 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 too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC , our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus several other factors. Some of the most standard 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 temperatures in Cambridge
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Old 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cambridge. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 410-228-4822 to start right away!