
With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Georgetown, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate 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 recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 avoided routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We give free estimates at Miller Climate Control LLC so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.
At Miller Climate Control LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Georgetown.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
- If your home has more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people are in your family.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- 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 a minimum of 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, 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 Miller Climate Control LLC Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Miller Climate Control LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Georgetown. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 512-937-2001 to get started now!