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 eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Rockford, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical 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 its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 a few aspects that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

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

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, our technicians 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, along with a couple other factors. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Rockford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • 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 no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rockford. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at (815) 914-6197 to begin now!