With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. 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 Newark, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 neglected regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 several details that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Luikart Heating & Cooling 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, along with a couple 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Newark.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 mandates. 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Luikart Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you select. Luikart Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Newark. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 740-200-5591 to start today!