With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Long Island, we realize that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper utility 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 advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend 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 exact cost might vary.
There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Airmax Long Island Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our full 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 oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.
At Airmax Long Island Inc, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, in addition to a couple other things. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Long Island
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 at least 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Airmax Long Island Inc Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Airmax Long Island Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Long Island. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 631-737-5566 to get started today!