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 warran