With ample 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 getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Dresden, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may 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 house comfortable and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest 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|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We give free estimates at McFadden Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how large your home is, along with a couple 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 your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it consumes 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 essential to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with McFadden Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. McFadden Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Dresden. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 1-866-781-0111 to get started today!