With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in West Columbia, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing 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 enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower 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 professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use 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 quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that impact your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at Tri City Fuel & Heating 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 works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Tri City Fuel & Heating, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your residence is, along with 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in West Columbia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Tri City Fuel & Heating Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Tri City Fuel & Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in West Columbia. From helping you select the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Contact us at 803-265-4208 to start now!