With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg, we are aware that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near 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 change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to 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 have a refrigerant leak, fixing 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Childress Heating & AC so you can be sure you’re getting a good 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 too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Childress Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to several 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 impact air conditioner size are:

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

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it consumes 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 essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 requirements. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Childress Heating & AC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg. From helping you select the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 540-675-4306 to get started right away!