With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Cape Coral, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at Comfort Zone, LLC so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Comfort Zone, LLC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, along with 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Cape Coral.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Comfort Zone, LLC Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Comfort Zone, LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cape Coral. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 239-214-0411 to get started right away!