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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Warrenton, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting 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 suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular 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 needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to run more frequently 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 home comfy and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood 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 continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big 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, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your home is, in addition to several other factors. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Warrenton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Warrenton. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 636-456-5041 to get started now!