With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Naples, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through cheaper utility 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 can be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this important service can result in diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
- Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top 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 good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost might be different.
There are several aspects that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at Speedy Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.
At Speedy Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how spacious your home 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Naples
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:
- 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 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Speedy Air Conditioning Right Away
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Speedy Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Naples. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 239-244-3439 to get started now!