With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Florissant, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, thanks to 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 less expensive electrical 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost could be lower or higher.
There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We provide free estimates at B & B 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.
At B & B Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a couple other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Florissant
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms 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 essential to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & B Heating & Cooling Now
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. B & B Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Florissant. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 314-325-7552 to start now!