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 eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Front Royal, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, 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 lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 bills.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to reduced efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 could be lower or higher.
There are several details that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Dave's Diversified Services so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Dave's Diversified Services, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Front Royal
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- Dated 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Dave's Diversified Services Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Dave's Diversified Services is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Front Royal. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 540-636-3396 to get started today!