With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to 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 utility 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 might be hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and energy bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest 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 total cost might be lower or higher.
There are a few aspects that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Solar Air Inc. so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.
At Solar Air Inc. , our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your home 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Fort Lauderdale
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home gets 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 rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- 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 a minimum of 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Solar Air Inc. Now
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Solar Air Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 954-320-7398 to begin today!