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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news 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 receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. 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 house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging 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 extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual work 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 come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically 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 under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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] vary.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your space 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 be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Custom Air Systems Inc, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your house is, along with a few other things. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Port St. Lucie.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 regulations. 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Custom Air Systems Inc Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you choose. Custom Air Systems Inc is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 772-247-2283 to get started right away!