With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Neptune City, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling 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 tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, 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 costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are several details that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Aggressive Mechanical so you can be confident 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 Sizing
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Aggressive Mechanical, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other factors. 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Neptune City.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
- If your home has more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people are in your family.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Aggressive Mechanical Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Aggressive Mechanical is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Neptune City. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 732-806-5536 to begin today!