With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Carpentersville, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, like:

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

We provide free estimates at Controlled Comfort HVAC so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most typical 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Carpentersville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence 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 rating measures how efficiently it consumes 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 crucial to be aware:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 mandates. 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 operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Controlled Comfort HVAC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Controlled Comfort HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Carpentersville. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 224-412-8308 to begin today!