With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Heflin, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new 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 advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one 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 routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental 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 very 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 aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 huge 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 could be different.
There are several factors that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a great 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 will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.
At Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus a couple other factors. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Heflin
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Heflin. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 256-270-1196 to begin today!