With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Cambridge, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper utility 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 can be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] vary.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:

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

We give free estimates at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus a few other considerations. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Cambridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for 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 most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cambridge. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 410-228-4822 to get started right away!