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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Marshfield, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper 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 can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 protected by warranty, we recommend 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 couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at House of Heating Incorporated so you can be sure 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At House of Heating Incorporated, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your home is, in addition to a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Marshfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with House of Heating Incorporated Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. House of Heating Incorporated is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Marshfield. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 715-384-3163 to begin right away!