With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical expenses reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
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 total cost may vary.
There are several details that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Olde Towne Heating & Air 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.
At Olde Towne Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your home is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most typical 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 weather in Mount Pleasant
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:
- Older 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Olde Towne Heating & Air Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Olde Towne Heating & Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 843-485-0967 to start now!