With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lexington, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed not very 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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 different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At James Heating & A/C, Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, plus several other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Lexington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with James Heating & A/C, Inc Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. James Heating & A/C, Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lexington. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 336-853-6070 to start right away!