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 replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer 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 works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Smyth Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus a couple other factors. Some of the most typical 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 temperatures in Lake Worth.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Smyth Air Conditioning Today

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