With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give free estimates at Air Alliance Team 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Air Alliance Team, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, in addition to several 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Ballwin and St. Charles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Alliance Team Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Air Alliance Team is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 636-206-4584 to get started right away!