With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville, we are aware that the price 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 realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your 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 advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called 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 experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because 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 inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, along with several other things. 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 climate in Hodgenville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can 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 tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 270-358-3167 to start today!