With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in New Castle, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable 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 its life span through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility costs low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 exact cost could vary.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Central Heating & Plumbing so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.
At Central Heating & Plumbing, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. Some of the most common 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 temperatures in New Castle
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start 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 choose. Central Heating & Plumbing is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in New Castle. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 724-401-1843 to start right away!