With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Mechanicsburg, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

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

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

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

We give free estimates at H & H Service Company so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At H & H Service Company, 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 house is, along with several 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Mechanicsburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with H & H Service Company Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. H & H Service Company is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Mechanicsburg. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 717-220-4502 to get started today!