With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Moline, we realize that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting 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 receive improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically 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 home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
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 vary.
There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We provide free estimates at J.L. Brady Company LLC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.
At J.L. Brady Company LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus a couple 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Moline
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are classified 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 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with J.L. Brady Company LLC Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. J.L. Brady Company LLC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Moline. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 309-517-7511 to start today!