With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Laurel, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready 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 bills.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 exact cost may vary.
There are several details that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We offer free estimates at H&C Heating and Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.
At H&C Heating and Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, plus 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Laurel
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- 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 well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with H&C Heating and Cooling Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. H&C Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Laurel. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 301-960-3247 to start today!