With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated at some point.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, we realize that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive 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 may be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages. Consequently, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 aspects that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at GLR Mechanical 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 works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At GLR Mechanical, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, in addition to a couple other factors. 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 temperatures in Wilkes Barre and Scranton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how proficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with GLR Mechanical Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. GLR Mechanical is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton. From helping you select the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 570-309-0403 to start now!