With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals 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 recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Dearing's Service & Solutions 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 accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Dearing's Service & Solutions, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Huntingburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently 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 crucial to be aware:

  • 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start 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 essential as the model you choose. 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 discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 812-200-5844 to begin today!