With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, we know that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service done. 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 include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by 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.

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 {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because 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 offer free estimates at Smyth Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Smyth Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 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, since big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 mandates. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Smyth Air Conditioning Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in 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 discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 561-533-6066 to start right away!