With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Naples, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher 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 having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses 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 have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The wisest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually 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 under warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We offer free estimates at Speedy Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a great 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 too little will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Speedy Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your home is, plus several other things. Some of the most typical 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Naples.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home 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 number measures how well 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 know:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 requirements. 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Speedy Air Conditioning Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Speedy Air Conditioning is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Naples. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 239-244-3439 to start right away!