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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in New Castle, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. 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 residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

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] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as 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 dated or damaged.

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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a few 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in New Castle.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Heating & Plumbing Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Central Heating & Plumbing is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in New Castle. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 724-401-1843 to start now!