With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Jefferson City, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and energy bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 lower or higher.

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

  • 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 dated or separated.

We give free estimates at Stieferman Heating Company Inc so you can know you’re getting a great 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 critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple 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 things that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Jefferson City.
  • 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 receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Stieferman Heating Company Inc Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you go with. Stieferman Heating Company Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Jefferson City. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 573-635-3547 to get started today!