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 updated down the road.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Georgetown, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to 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 cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic 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 humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
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 wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have routine service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 total cost might be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Miller Climate Control LLC so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.
At Miller Climate Control LLC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus a couple other things. Some of the most common 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 climate in Georgetown
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Miller Climate Control LLC Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Miller Climate Control LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Georgetown. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 512-937-2001 to begin today!