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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer 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 feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, 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 gets less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy expenses low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 several aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Childress Heating & AC 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Childress Heating & AC, 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 spacious your residence is, plus a few other factors. 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 temperatures in Fredericksburg.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home receives 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Childress Heating & AC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you go with. Childress Heating & AC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 540-675-4306 to start right away!