With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Rockford, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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|could|may] be different.

There are several factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other things. 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 Rockford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rockford. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at (815) 914-6197 to get started now!