With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Cambridge, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 neglected routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling expenses down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Typical Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.
There are several aspects that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Cambridge.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your home gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- 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 rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important 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 choose the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 410-228-4822 to begin now!