With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie, we realize that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be tricky. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Custom Air Systems Inc so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Custom Air Systems Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few other considerations. 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 weather in Port St. Lucie.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may 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 select. Custom Air Systems Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 772-247-2283 to start today!