With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Zelienople, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electricity 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 might be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking tune-ups 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, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

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

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Knoechel Heating, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a few other factors. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Zelienople.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated 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 regulations. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Knoechel Heating Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. Knoechel Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Zelienople. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 724-425-5852 to begin today!