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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Marshfield, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable 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 its life span through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured 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, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service 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 come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of details that influence 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 replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at House of Heating Incorporated so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At House of Heating Incorporated, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple other factors. Some of the most common 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Marshfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms 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.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with House of Heating Incorporated Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. House of Heating Incorporated is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Marshfield. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 715-384-3163 to begin today!