With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Brookfield, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Central Air LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus a few 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Brookfield.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Central Air LLC Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Central Air LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Brookfield. From helping you select the right solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 203-357-5913 to start today!