With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more 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 prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at Olde Towne Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a few other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Mount Pleasant.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Olde Towne Heating & Air Today

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