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 removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining 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 get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of 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 because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as 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 aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Air Alliance Team so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete 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 too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Air Alliance Team, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus several 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Ballwin and St. Charles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Alliance Team Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Air Alliance Team is one of the number one 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 us is a breeze. Reach us at 636-206-4250 to begin now!