With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in West Columbia, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could 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 residence comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced 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, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 a few details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Tri City Fuel & Heating so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Tri City Fuel & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your house is, plus a few 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 considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in West Columbia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tri City Fuel & Heating Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Tri City Fuel & Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in West Columbia. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 803-265-4208 to start now!