With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Moline, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at J.L. Brady Company LLC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, in addition to several 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 considerations 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 expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with J.L. Brady Company LLC Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. 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 home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 309-517-7511 to begin right away!