With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 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 Moline, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive electrical 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 can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you get 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. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. 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 residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Moline.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has 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 rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Moline. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 309-323-9584 to get started today!