With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in New Castle, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Central Heating & Plumbing so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, along with a few 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 weather in New Castle.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 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 important to know:

  • Dated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Heating & Plumbing Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Central Heating & Plumbing is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in New Castle. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 724-401-1843 to start now!