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 at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Georgetown, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 few aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Miller Climate Control LLC so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Miller Climate Control 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 big your home is, along with a few other factors. 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, as expansive or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house receives 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 rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • 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 a minimum of 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Miller Climate Control LLC Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Miller Climate Control LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Georgetown. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 512-937-2001 to start right away!