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 updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Haines City, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining 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 improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made 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, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your home is, in addition to several other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Haines City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated 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 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, 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 Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Haines City. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 863-216-2923 to begin now!