With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Goshen, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you install 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical costs low.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced 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 continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular work 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 a couple of details that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We provide free estimates at Just Right Heating and Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At Just Right Heating and Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, along with several 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Goshen.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
- If your house receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people are in your family.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher 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 rated 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Just Right Heating and Cooling Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Just Right Heating and Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Goshen. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 513-392-4969 to start right away!