With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best 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 realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning 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 regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly 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 ideal to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have routine maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 be different.
There are a few factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Comfort Zone, LLC so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.
At Comfort Zone, LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your home is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Cape Coral
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms 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 essential to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Comfort Zone, LLC Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential 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 select the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 239-214-0411 to begin today!