With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. 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 Norton, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical 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 likely pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major 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, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are several aspects that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, 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 aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at HCE Systems so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.
At HCE Systems, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Norton.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable 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 hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. HCE Systems is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Norton. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 276-302-0076 to begin today!