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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Kankakee, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more reasonable 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 likely pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical costs low.
  • 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 made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating so you can be confident 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.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your house is, along with a couple other things. Some of the most common 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Kankakee.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may 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 installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Kankakee. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 815-933-8213 to begin now!