With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your 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 older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact 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 best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 total cost might be lower or higher.
There are several details that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Air Alliance Team so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.
At Air Alliance Team, 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 large your residence is, plus a couple other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Ballwin and St. Charles
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are classified 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 requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Alliance Team Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Air Alliance Team is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 636-206-4250 to get started today!