With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Norton, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has 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 continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on 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.

Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because 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 aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at HCE Systems so you can know 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.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At HCE Systems, our professionals 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 residence is, along with a couple other things. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Norton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 requirements. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with HCE Systems Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. HCE Systems is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Norton. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 276-302-0076 to start right away!