With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Macon, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical 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 usually pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run 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 uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 may be lower or higher.
There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Air Temperature Control so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Air Temperature Control, our pros have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus a few other considerations. 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Macon
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently 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 important to realize:
- Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Temperature Control Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Air Temperature Control is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Macon. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 478-202-3170 to begin now!