With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Williamsport, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting 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 we recommend.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 expenses.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this important service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of not doing maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to suffer a major problem. When repairs are higher 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 sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and utility expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.
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 exact cost could vary.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We offer free estimates at Lycoming Heating Company so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Lycoming Heating Company, our pros have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, in addition to a few other considerations. Some of the most typical 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 weather in Williamsport
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Older air conditioners are ranked 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Lycoming Heating Company Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Lycoming Heating Company is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Williamsport. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 570-326-4450 to get started right away!