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 removed down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Olde Towne Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your house is, plus a few 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Mount Pleasant.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 include additional 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 adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Olde Towne Heating & Air Now

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