With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Streamwood, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through less expensive utility bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve neglected routine maintenance for too long. Much like a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can result in decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it may need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and energy bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work completed. 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 come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Typical 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are several aspects that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete 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 undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can increase your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.

At Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your house is, in addition to a couple 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Streamwood.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Older air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail 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 usually pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Streamwood. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Call us at 630-313-2509 to get started now!