With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Moline, we realize 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 reasonable than you think it is, due 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 lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer 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 home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy expenses down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.
Average Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 different.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning 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 works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.
At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians 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 home is, in addition to several other factors. 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Moline.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses 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 important to realize:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 have additional 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 fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Moline. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 309-323-9584 to begin right away!