With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major problem. 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 home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often 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 advise fixing it.
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 exact cost may be different.
There are a couple of aspects that influence 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 put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at ACE Solutions so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.
At ACE Solutions, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, plus a couple other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Hasbrouck Heights
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 rating measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with ACE Solutions Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. ACE Solutions is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 201-579-2562 to start right away!