With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Erie, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 bills.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
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 precise cost could be lower or higher.
There are several details that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Patterson & Stirling Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.
At Patterson & Stirling Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, along with 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Erie
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Patterson & Stirling Inc Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Patterson & Stirling Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Erie. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 814-308-0416 to start right away!