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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive utility 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 might be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

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 aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Farnell Mechanical, Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your residence is, along with a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Auburn and Opelika.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Farnell Mechanical, Inc. Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you go with. Farnell Mechanical, Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 334-524-2458 to start today!