With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Brookfield, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 aspects that affect your total cost, like:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Central Air LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your house is, plus several other things. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Brookfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 no less than 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Air LLC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Central Air LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Brookfield. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 203-357-5913 to begin now!