With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Rock Hill, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what our professionals recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 skipped regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to run more frequently 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 residence comfy and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

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 common or inexpensive. The best way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular work done. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 different.

There are a couple of details that affect your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at US Air Heating and Cooling so you can be sure 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 small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.

At US Air Heating and Cooling, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a couple other things. Some of the most standard 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Rock Hill.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Older 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with US Air Heating and Cooling Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. US Air Heating and Cooling is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Rock Hill. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 803-220-0761 to begin right away!