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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Wyandotte, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable 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 typically pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. 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 residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

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 are infrequent or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular service 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a few 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Wyandotte.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 ranking measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Wyandotte. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 734-284-1224 to start today!