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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Neptune City, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity 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 may be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under 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] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Aggressive Mechanical 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 works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

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

At Aggressive Mechanical, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a few 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 Neptune City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Aggressive Mechanical Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Aggressive Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Neptune City. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 732-806-5536 to begin today!