With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Long Island, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive cooling 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 can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 costs.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and utility costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased 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 damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. 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 include 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 covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Airmax Long Island so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Airmax Long Island, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big 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 expansive or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 ranking measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often more expensive, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Airmax Long Island Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Airmax Long Island is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Long Island. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 631-737-5566 to get started right away!