With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Newton, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower electrical 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 might be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest 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 {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide 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.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Brookwood Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, along with a few other considerations. Some of the most common 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Newton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:

  • Older 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Brookwood Inc Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Brookwood Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Newton. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 641-316-9803 to start right away!