With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Oxford, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. 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 are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Average 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.
At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with several other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Oxford.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows can be less efficient.
- If your house gets 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 rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Older air conditioners are rated 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Oxford. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 662-281-1231 to get started today!