With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in York, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower 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 may be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling bills down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also called 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 experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
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 be lower or higher.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a great 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 undersized will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.
At Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your house 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in York
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- New 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 requirements. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in York. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 717-383-4479 to get started now!