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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span 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 may be hard. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular 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 typically 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 few aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as 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 aging 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.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your home is, plus a few other factors. 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 you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might 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 important 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 select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 812-200-5844 to start right away!