With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in East Bernard, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at E.B. Air so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At E.B. Air, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a few 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in East Bernard.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives 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 proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, 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 pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with E.B. Air Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. E.B. Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in East Bernard. From helping you find the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 979-335-4262 to begin now!