With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Saint Louis, we are aware that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could run longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning 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 bills.
  • You’ve neglected regular maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system needs annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfy and electrical bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called 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, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a couple of details that influence your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

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 ideal size depends on how large your residence is, in addition to several other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Saint Louis.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • 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 rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important 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 choose the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 314-262-4541 to get started right away!