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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Erie, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it 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 regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because 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 due to the fact 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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 several aspects that impact 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 put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Patterson & Stirling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Patterson & Stirling, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your house is, along with a couple other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Erie.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives 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 number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • 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 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Patterson & Stirling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Patterson & Stirling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Erie. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 814-308-0416 to start now!