With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Newark, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to expect 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 we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you get 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 neglected regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 few aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home 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 good 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 crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, along with several other factors. 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, because big or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • 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 installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 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 have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Luikart Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Newark. From helping you find the right solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 740-344-5497 to start now!