With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Newark, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. 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 residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of 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 since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less 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 inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 different.

There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

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

We provide free estimates at Luikart Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your residence is, along with a couple other considerations. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Newark.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home receives 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 number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Luikart Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Luikart Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Newark. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 740-344-5497 to begin today!