With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Michigan City, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. 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 bills.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 few details that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We give free estimates at Paniccia Heating & Cooling so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also cause temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Paniccia Heating & Cooling, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, in addition to a few other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Michigan City.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home has 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 ranking measures how well 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 important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Paniccia Heating & Cooling Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you choose. Paniccia Heating & Cooling is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Michigan City. From helping you select the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 219-872-2198 to start right away!