With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Port Orchard, we are aware that the price is number one on 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 enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling costs low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to 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.
Typical Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Air Masters Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.
At Air Masters Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, in addition to several other factors. 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Port Orchard.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
- If your home receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people are in your household.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Older 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Masters Heating & Cooling Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Air Masters Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Port Orchard. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 360-205-7115 to start now!