With proper service, your air conditioner will provide worry-free performance for a long time. But, just like any other thing in your residence, it will ultimately need replacement. Knowing when to install a new one is important to avoid pricey repairs, costly electrical bills and interrupted comfort.
When it includes being cool and your residence’s energy efficiency, our Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning specialists are looking out for your best interests. There’s a lot that goes into deciding when your air conditioner requires replacement. Here are a few points you should consider when you’re thinking about replacing your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
In most instances, the Department of Energy says many air conditioners last for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the midpoint. It’s smart to begin preparing for air conditioning installation before it wears out so you aren’t sweating while you’re waiting for a new one.
Trustworthiness
How dependable is your air conditioner? Does it cool reliably, even on the hottest days? Or is it regularly breaking down? When your air conditioner is less trustworthy it’s time to begin preparing to get an updated one.
Repair Costs
Over your air conditioner’s life span, it’s expected for it to need a handful of minor repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s smarter to just install a new one.
Energy Efficiency
Every air conditioner includes a SEER rating, which measures how proficiently it uses electricity to make chilled air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be a minimum of 13 SEER according to federal laws. However, your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages.
Today, 15–18 SEER is a popular ranking, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with bigger SEER ratings are often pricier but may pay for themselves over time through more energy savings. And installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for extra rebates.
Comfort
Are you comfy when your air conditioner is working? Or are you often switching the temperature to stay cool? An old air conditioner may have problems keeping your home comfortable because of decreased efficiency. A modern air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can reduce high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners operate at multiple speeds to adjust your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is a concern, ask us about upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner. Most of these air conditioners run at a sound level that’s like a regular conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Installing a smart thermostat is a wise way to keep up with energy efficiency, with minimal effort needed from you. And, depending on the rebates available by your utility company, you might be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. Most of these thermostats can pick up on your temperature preferences and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or gone and alter temps as necessary.
If you have an older air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a surefire method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Style
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably relies on Freon®. Also called R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner runs on R-22 by reviewing the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant style.
If your air conditioner is working fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever has a refrigerant leak, repairing the problem will be costly. That’s due to the fact Freon is only available in reduced, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners have Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just add Puron in a Freon air conditioner, since pressure requirements are different.
Our Technicians Make Air Conditioning Installation Easy
If you’re still debating whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner within the immediate future, think about this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can provide 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really build as time passes.
We know that air conditioner cost is your top question. That’s why collaborating with Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Lodi and surrounding areas is easy and affordable. Our techs will help you find the right option for your needs and then review all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner accommodate your budget.
Get in touch with us at 209-257-3156 to request your free, no-pressure estimate now!