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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Covington, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a couple of details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Covington Air Systems so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Covington Air Systems, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus a few other things. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Covington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Covington Air Systems Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Covington Air Systems is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Covington. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at (770) 462-5319 to start today!