With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 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 Dresden, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental 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 very expensive. This is because 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as 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 old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at McFadden Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your home is, plus several other considerations. Some of the most standard 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 Dresden.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with McFadden Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. McFadden Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Dresden. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 519-683-2339 to start right away!