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

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Michigan City, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through lower cooling bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one 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 skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving 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 inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] be different.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We offer free estimates at Paniccia Heating & Cooling so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less cool.

At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your home is, in addition to a couple other considerations. 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Michigan City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your residence receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Paniccia Heating & Cooling Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you select. Paniccia Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Michigan City. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 219-872-2198 to begin right away!