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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to 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 cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known 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 develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, along with a couple 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Hodgenville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives 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 efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville. From helping you select the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 270-358-3167 to get started now!