With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Newton, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured 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, solving 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often 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 determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, including:

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

We offer free estimates at Brookwood Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Brookwood Inc, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a couple 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

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

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Brookwood Inc Today

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