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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Michigan City, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper electrical bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around 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 expenses.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and energy costs low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental 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 since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on 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 lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors 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 put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or damaged.

We give free estimates at Paniccia Heating & Cooling 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 fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, our techs 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 residence is, along with a few 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Michigan City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 transforms 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 essential to know:

  • Dated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Paniccia Heating & Cooling Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Paniccia Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Michigan City. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 219-872-2198 to start right away!