With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 skipped annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Smyth Air Conditioning so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Smyth Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Lake Worth.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Smyth Air Conditioning Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Smyth Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 561-533-6066 to get started now!