With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electrical 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 hard. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad 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 since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
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 may vary.
There are several details that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Smyth Air Conditioning Inc so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.
At Smyth Air Conditioning Inc, our pros have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to several other considerations. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Lake Worth
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home has 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Smyth Air Conditioning Inc Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Smyth Air Conditioning Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth. From helping you select the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 561-533-6066 to start today!