With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling 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 might be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 neglected regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at Solar Air Inc. so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Solar Air Inc., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, along with a couple 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Fort Lauderdale.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • 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 linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Solar Air Inc. Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Solar Air Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 954-320-7398 to begin right away!