With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying 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 improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate 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 residence comfy and energy expenses down.
  • 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 made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily 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 are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, 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 huge 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, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Childress Heating & AC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Childress Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, plus a few other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Fredericksburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Childress Heating & AC Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Childress Heating & AC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 540-675-4306 to get started now!