With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.
Here’s what to prepare for 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 advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 neglected annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling bills down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on 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 keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include 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 major 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, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost might be different.
There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.
We give free estimates at Custom Air Systems Inc so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Custom Air Systems Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your house is, along with 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 impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Port St. Lucie
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- 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 proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked 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 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 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 fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Custom Air Systems Inc Today
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Custom Air Systems Inc is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 772-247-2283 to begin now!