With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Kankakee, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it might need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility expenses low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Average Air Conditioner Cost
Many 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating so you can know 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 crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.
At Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple other considerations. 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 climate in Kankakee.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
- If your residence gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and concentration.
- How many people are in your family.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:
- Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 operating at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating Today
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Kankakee. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 815-933-8213 to begin today!