With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Dresden, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing 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 our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made 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 very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 lower or higher.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus a few 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Dresden.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with McFadden Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. McFadden Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Dresden. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 1-866-781-0111 to start right away!