With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. 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 Palm Coast, we are aware that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through cheaper cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in given 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 gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and energy expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very 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 ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unexpected 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 has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 few factors that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists, our technicians 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, plus several 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 affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Palm Coast.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, as expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Palm Coast. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 386-313-8766 to get started right away!