With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Wyandotte, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less 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 economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under 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 provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly 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 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Wyandotte.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Wyandotte. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Contact us at 734-284-1224 to start now!