With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing 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 enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

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

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

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Dearing's Service & Solutions so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, plus a few 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Huntingburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Dearing's Service & Solutions Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Dearing's Service & Solutions is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 812-200-5844 to get started now!