With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Libertyville, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. 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 bills.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can cause diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic malfunction. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and cooling costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since 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 best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed every so often 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Most 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, including:

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

We give free estimates at TopTec so you can be confident you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also lead to temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At TopTec, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, plus 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Libertyville.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with TopTec Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. TopTec is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Libertyville. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 847-362-0262 to get started now!