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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting 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 enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging 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 portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average 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 lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Dearing's Service & Solutions so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, plus several 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Huntingburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Dearing's Service & Solutions is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg. From helping you choose the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 812-200-5844 to get started right away!