With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Lancaster, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. 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 avoided regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 economical. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Fairfield Heating & Cooling so you can know 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 have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your house 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 size you need depends on how large your home 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Lancaster.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • 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 a minimum of 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 operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. 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 lifetime might help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Fairfield Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lancaster. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 740-331-4331 to begin today!