With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 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 Frederick, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement near 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big problem. 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 muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its detrimental 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 extremely expensive. This is because 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual maintenance 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 are accompanied by 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 big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Typical 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

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

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or separated.

We give free estimates at May's Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At May's Heating & Air, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus a couple 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Frederick.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:

  • 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. 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.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with May's Heating & Air Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. May's Heating & Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Frederick. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Reach us at 301-690-0397 to get started now!