With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Sussex County, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. 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 under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc., our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, plus a few other considerations. 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 impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Sussex County.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, because large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Sussex County. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 973-270-9244 to get started now!