With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good 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 experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 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 emergency repairs is to have yearly work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, like:

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

We give free estimates at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Farnell Mechanical, Inc., our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, in addition to several other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Auburn and Opelika.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Farnell Mechanical, Inc. Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Farnell Mechanical, Inc. is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 334-524-2458 to get started today!