With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting 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 better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Olde Towne Heating & Air so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a couple other considerations. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Mount Pleasant.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses 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 essential to know:

  • Dated 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 requirements. 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Olde Towne Heating & Air Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Olde Towne Heating & Air is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 843-485-0967 to start right away!