With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, we know that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. 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 needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The wisest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to several other things. Some of the most common 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 Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air Concepts of Middle Georgia Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 478-200-5689 to start now!