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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Philadelphia, we realize that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper utility bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one 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 annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are greater 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 experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, 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 cool and utility costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have annual work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Retro HVAC Service & Installation so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Retro HVAC Service & Installation, our techs 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 home is, along with several 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 climate in Philadelphia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are classified 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast 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 higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it could 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 Retro HVAC Service & Installation Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Retro HVAC Service & Installation is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Philadelphia. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 267-277-3851 to start now!