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 removed eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Port Clinton, we know that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through lower electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house is uncomfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you should replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to run more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and energy expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or economical. The wisest way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, 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 often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per 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 a couple of details that impact your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Ohler & Holzhauer Inc., our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how spacious your home is, plus a few other factors. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Port Clinton.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Port Clinton. From helping you find the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 419-465-8722 to start now!