With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mechanicsburg, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and energy costs down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have routine maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of 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 total cost may be lower or higher.
There are several details that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at H & H Service Company 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 accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.
At H & H Service Company, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, in addition to a few other factors. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Mechanicsburg
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might 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 H & H Service Company Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. H & H Service Company is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Mechanicsburg. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 717-220-4502 to get started today!