With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Macon, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big 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, per 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 a few aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Air Temperature Control so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Air Temperature Control, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to several other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Macon.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could 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 Air Temperature Control Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Air Temperature Control is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Macon. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 478-202-3170 to start now!