With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Derby, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling expenses 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 professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, in addition to 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Derby.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Derby. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 203-772-8319 to get started right away!