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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Cape Coral, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Comfort Zone, LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your home is, along with 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Cape Coral.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Comfort Zone, LLC Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Comfort Zone, LLC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Cape Coral. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 239-214-0411 to begin today!