With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Front Royal, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial 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 frequently the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has 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 produced due to its damaging 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 very expensive. This is since 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to 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.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Dave's Diversified Services 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Dave's Diversified Services, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus several 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Front Royal.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Dave's Diversified Services Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Dave's Diversified Services is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Front Royal. From helping you find the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 540-636-3396 to get started right away!