With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Kutztown and Breinigsville, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting 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 we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this important service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience 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 residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility bills low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major 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, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost might be different.
There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, as 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 old or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Moyer Total Indoor Comfort 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 fits 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 too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Moyer Total Indoor Comfort, our technicians 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 home is, plus several 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Kutztown and Breinigsville
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house 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 number measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Moyer Total Indoor Comfort Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Moyer Total Indoor Comfort is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Kutztown and Breinigsville. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 484-646-3363 to start right away!