With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Zelienople, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging 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 extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Knoechel Heating so you can be confident 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Knoechel Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus several other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Zelienople.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Knoechel Heating Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you go with. Knoechel Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Zelienople. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 724-425-5852 to start now!