With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. 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 Lexington, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called 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, repairing 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 less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at James Heating & A/C, Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At James Heating & A/C, Inc, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, plus a couple other considerations. 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Lexington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with James Heating & A/C, Inc Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you select. James Heating & A/C, Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Lexington. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 336-853-6070 to begin now!