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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lancaster, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable 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 time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving 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 are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge 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, 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] vary.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Fairfield Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic 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 essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your home feel less comfy.

At Fairfield Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, along with several other things. 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Lancaster.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows may 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 number measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 requirements. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fairfield Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Fairfield Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Lancaster. From helping you select the right solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 740-331-4331 to get started now!