With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Cambridge, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits 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 residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few other factors. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cambridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Cambridge. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 410-228-4822 to get started right away!