With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Sarasota, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could 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 expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.
There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We offer free estimates at Airtech Cooling & Heating 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 works with just about any budget.
The Size of the AC System
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.
At Airtech Cooling & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, along with a couple other things. Some of the most standard 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Sarasota.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows might be more inefficient.
- If your house has more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Old 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Airtech Cooling & Heating Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Airtech Cooling & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Sarasota. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 941-377-7956 to get started right away!