With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Naples, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive electrical 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 might be tricky. Here’s what our professionals advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it 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 a long time. Just like a car, you cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical bills 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since 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 ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by 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 precise cost might be lower or higher.
There are several details that affect your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at CNR Air Conditioning Inc so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.
At CNR Air Conditioning Inc, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your residence is, plus a few 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Naples
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- 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 rating measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with CNR Air Conditioning Inc 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. CNR Air Conditioning Inc is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Naples. 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 239-241-5318 to begin now!