With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Neptune City, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Aggressive Mechanical so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Aggressive Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a couple 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Neptune City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Aggressive Mechanical Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Aggressive Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Neptune City. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 732-806-5536 to get started now!