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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Newton, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

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

When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several factors that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Brookwood 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 fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Brookwood Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Newton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 ranking measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Brookwood Inc Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Brookwood Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Newton. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 641-316-9803 to begin today!