With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have routine work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost could vary.
There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because 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 separated.
We give free estimates at Phelps Heating & Cooling 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 critical. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.
At Phelps Heating & Cooling, our pros have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your house is, plus a couple 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Hodgenville
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes 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 realize:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Phelps Heating & Cooling Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Phelps Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 270-358-3167 to get started right away!