With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. 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 Jefferson, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive electrical 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 may be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills 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 known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that affect your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at Pratt Brothers 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 works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Pratt Brothers, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus several 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Jefferson.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pratt Brothers Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Pratt Brothers is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Jefferson. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 920-347-8495 to start today!