With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete 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 won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also cause temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our professionals 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 home is, in addition to 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Greater Richmond.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Older 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at 100% continuously, 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 greater SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 804-302-6657 to begin today!