With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Derby, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your 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 could work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use 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 economical. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, along with several other factors. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Derby.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it consumes 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 realize:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Derby. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 203-772-8319 to start right away!