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 updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, 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 high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result 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 extremely 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 aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by 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.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a few other factors. Some of the most typical 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in South Beloit and Belvidere.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 877-389-2465 to get started today!