With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Wilmington, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner could be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of overlooking service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Ambience HVAC, Inc. so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your house feel less cool.

At Ambience HVAC, 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 big 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Wilmington.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, 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 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 come with 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 air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ambience HVAC, Inc. Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Ambience HVAC, Inc. is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Wilmington. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 302-239-HVAC (4822) to begin today!