With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best 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 silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big 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 home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 covered by warranty, we suggest 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 {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

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

  • The weather in Heflin.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching 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 recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 256-270-1196 to start now!