With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mobile, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of 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 electricity 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 we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 expenses.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more 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 experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to work 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 comfortable and utility expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have routine maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 total cost may vary.
There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.
At Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, 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, in addition to several other considerations. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Mobile
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Mobile. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 251-471-2674 to begin now!