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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Warrenton, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 climate in Warrenton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since 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 family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, 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.
  • 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, 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 Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning 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. Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Warrenton. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 636-456-5041 to start now!