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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in New Castle, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electrical 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 may be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 different.

There are a couple of details that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Central Heating & Plumbing 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 works with 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 too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, along with several other considerations. 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 New Castle.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes 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 important 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 no less than 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 include additional 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 adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Heating & Plumbing Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Central Heating & Plumbing is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in New Castle. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 724-401-1843 to start today!