With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Saint Louis, we know that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on 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.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several details that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.

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

Air Conditioner Sizing

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

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, along with a few other things. 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Saint Louis.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows might be more inefficient.
  • 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 impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • 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 no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating Today

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Saint Louis. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 314-262-4541 to get started right away!