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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Crown Point, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] be different.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Struven Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Struven Heating & Cooling, 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 residence is, plus 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Crown Point.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Struven Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Struven Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Crown Point. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 219-292-0956 to begin now!