With proper service, your air conditioner will offer worry-free service for a long time. But, similar to any other machine in your home, it will eventually need to be upgraded. Knowing when to install a new one is important to avoid pricey repairs, costly electrical bills and interrupted comfort.
When it includes staying cool and your home’s energy efficiency, our Air Service Co. professionals are looking out for your best interests. There’s a lot that goes into determining when your air conditioner requires replacement. Here are a few things you should consider when you’re thinking about upgrading your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
In most instances, the Department of Energy says the majority of air conditioners last for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the midpoint. It’s smart to get started planning for air conditioning installation before it fails so you aren’t roasting while you’re waiting for a new one.
Dependability
How reliable is your air conditioner? Does it cool reliably, even on the toastiest days? Or is it routinely malfunctioning? When your air conditioner starts becoming less reliable it’s time to begin considering getting an upgraded one.
Repair Costs
Over your air conditioner’s lifetime, it’s normal for it to need several minor repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the price of a new air conditioner, it’s recommended to just get a new one.
Energy Efficiency
Every air conditioner includes a SEER rating, which ranks how well it expends electricity to produce chilled air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at least 13 SEER according to federal rules. However, your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages.
Now, 15–18 SEER is a popular ranking, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are often costlier but might pay for themselves over the years through increased energy savings. And installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for additional rebates.
Comfort
Are you comfy when your air conditioner is running? Or are you constantly dialing down the temperature to keep cool? An aging air conditioner may have trouble keeping your home cool because of reduced efficiency. A new air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can minimize high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners work at multiple speeds to adapt your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, check with us about getting a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners run at a sound level that’s similar to a regular conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Getting a smart thermostat is a wise way to maximize your energy efficiency, with minimal effort necessary from you. And, depending on the rebates available by your utility company, you might be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. The majority of these thermostats can adjust to your temperature preferences and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or gone and change settings as necessary.
If you use an outdated air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Upgrading your air conditioner is a surefire method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Type
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably relies on Freon®. Also called R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner has R-22 by checking the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant type.
If your air conditioner is operating fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever experiences a refrigerant leak, repairing the problem will be pricey. That’s since Freon is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners use Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just use Puron in a Freon air conditioner, since pressure requirements are different.
Our Techs Make Air Conditioning Installation Easy
If you’re still deciding whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner soon, think about this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can provide 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really build over time.
We know that air conditioner cost is your top question. That’s why collaborating with Air Service Co. for air conditioning installation in Muldrow and surrounding areas is simple and affordable. Our pros will help you select the right model for your needs and then discuss all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner work with your budget.
Call us at 918-212-8943 to request your free, no-pressure estimate right away!