With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Norton, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses 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 made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at HCE Systems so you can be sure 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At HCE Systems, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus a few 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Norton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has 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 ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with HCE Systems Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. HCE Systems is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Norton. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 276-302-0076 to get started today!