With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical 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] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Air Alliance Team so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Air Alliance Team, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with several 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Ballwin and St. Charles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Alliance Team Today

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 most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles. From helping you select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 636-206-4584 to get started right away!