With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Florissant, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling 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 can be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to 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 consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because 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 aging 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 Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small 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 behavior can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At B & B Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, plus a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Florissant.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running 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 higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with B & B Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re researching 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. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 314-325-7552 to get started now!