With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Erie, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on 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, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Patterson & Stirling so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Patterson & Stirling, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Erie.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Patterson & Stirling Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical 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 residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 814-308-0416 to start now!