With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in York, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years 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 may be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one 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 neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 factors that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Strine's 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At Strine's, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to 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 climate in York.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Strine's Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Strine's is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in York. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 717-383-4479 to begin right away!