With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Florissant and St. Charles, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 different.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, 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 inefficient.

We provide free estimates at B & B Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At B & B Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus several other considerations. 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Florissant and St. Charles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to 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.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & B Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical 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 choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 314-325-7552 to begin right away!