With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning 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 bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to operate more frequently 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 house comfy and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has 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 produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We give free estimates at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your house is, plus several 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 South Beloit and Belvidere.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has 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 number measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Dated 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically higher priced, 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 877-389-2465 to start right away!