With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Dresden, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 bills.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 total cost might be different.
There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at McFadden Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.
At McFadden Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, along with several other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Dresden
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home gets 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 well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with McFadden Heating & Cooling Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. McFadden Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Dresden. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 1-866-781-0111 to start today!