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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Morgantown, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, 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 loses efficiency as it ages. As a result, it may need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility costs low.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using 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 quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few aspects that affect your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at Mountain Air so you can be confident 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 Sizing

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Mountain Air, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Morgantown.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Mountain Air Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Mountain Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Morgantown. From helping you find the right solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 304-413-1287 to start right away!