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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Heflin, we realize that cost is number one on 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 get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 difficult. Here’s what we recommend.

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 annual maintenance. We recommend 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full 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 little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus several 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Heflin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 mandates. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bain Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Bain Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Heflin. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 256-270-1196 to start today!