With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Delray Beach, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. 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 routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced 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 suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging 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 extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have annual work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are several factors that impact your total cost, such as:

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

We offer free estimates at Kilbourne Heating & AC 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 fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At Kilbourne Heating & AC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how big your home is, in addition to several other factors. 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 Delray Beach.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it consumes 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 important to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with Kilbourne Heating & AC Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you choose. Kilbourne Heating & AC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Delray Beach. From helping you find the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 561-287-7071 to get started right away!