With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Oxford, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. 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 expenses.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Just like a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can lead to reduced efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more frequently 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 low.
- Your air conditioner runs on 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 due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 precise cost could be lower or higher.
There are several aspects that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.
At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, in addition to a few 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Oxford
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. 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 lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Oxford. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 662-281-1231 to begin right away!