With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Florissant and St. Charles, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at B & B Heating & Cooling so you can know 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 Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At B & B Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your home is, along with 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Florissant and St. Charles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house receives 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 ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & B Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. B & B Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Florissant and St. Charles. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 314-325-7552 to begin today!