With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. 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 Saint Louis, we are aware that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive utility bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you replace it 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 avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

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

There are a few details that affect your total cost, including:

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

We provide free estimates at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less cool.

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a couple other considerations. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Saint Louis.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

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

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating Right Away

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you select. Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Saint Louis. From helping you select the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 314-262-4541 to start right away!