With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Heflin, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals 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 close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. 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 are accompanied by 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, like:

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

We give free estimates at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure 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 critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to 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 ideal size depends on how large your home is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most standard 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Heflin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house 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 efficiently 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 essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Bain Heating & Air Conditioning Today

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