With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Rockford, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 difficult. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing 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 under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 a couple of details that impact your total cost, including:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, along with a couple other things. Some of the most typical 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Rockford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rockford. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at (815) 914-6197 to get started now!