With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Carpentersville, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing 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 get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through lower electricity bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 costs.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as 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 develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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] be different.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • 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 offer free estimates at Controlled Comfort HVAC so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature variability and make your house feel less comfy.

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Carpentersville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for extra 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 Controlled Comfort HVAC Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Controlled Comfort HVAC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Carpentersville. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 224-412-8308 to start now!