With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be tricky. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 costs.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact 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 smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical 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|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since 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 dated or separated.

We offer free estimates at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your house is, along with several other factors. 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 Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it uses 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 crucial to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked 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 regulations. 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 speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Concepts of Middle Georgia Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 478-200-5689 to start right away!