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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Brookfield, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance 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 continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, like:

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

We offer free estimates at Central Air LLC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Central Air LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus a couple other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 Brookfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 requirements. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Air LLC Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Central Air LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Brookfield. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 203-357-5913 to begin now!