With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning 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 economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electricity 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 can be hard. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your residence is, plus a few other considerations. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Moline.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with J.L. Brady Company LLC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. J.L. Brady Company LLC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Moline. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 309-517-7511 to start today!