With proper 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 beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Georgetown, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining 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 get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental 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 since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at Miller Climate Control LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a good 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 critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Miller Climate Control LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, plus a couple 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Georgetown.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Miller Climate Control LLC Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Miller Climate Control LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Georgetown. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 512-937-2001 to begin now!