With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Oxford, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to decreased 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 service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed 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 good 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 crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your residence 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Oxford.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house gets 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 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 essential to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may 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 puts it in 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 select the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 662-281-1231 to begin right away!