Signs You Need a New AC Unit
- Airflow is limited and does not blow cold air – An AC unit that either stops blowing cold air or has limited airflow compared to the past can be a sign that an entire system failure is imminent.
- AC unit makes strange sounds – If your air conditioner makes grinding, squealing, or other unusual sounds that were not present before, your unit may be at the end of its shelf life.
- Bad smell comes from the AC unit – Strange smells from a system that usually has neutral-smelling air can be a definite sign that requires investigation and could indicate poor indoor air quality.
- Energy bills have increased over time – If you notice your energy bills increase during seasons when you use your AC less, then it’s time for a technician to diagnose your system problem.
If you need a new air conditioning unit or want to take preventative steps to ensure your system lasts longer, consider an AC maintenance plan. Our plans provide homeowners peace of mind about their system tune-ups and come with other benefits as well, such as:
- $100 discount on AC replacement (if needed) for plan A
- $300 discount on AC replacement (if required) for plan B
You can trust our technicians with your air conditioning system no matter its current issues and rely on us for affordable, reliable diagnoses and maintenance for the life of your unit.
What to Consider When Replacing an Air Conditioner
Air Conditioner Size
You’ll need to know the size or capacity to find the best AC unit for your home when thinking about air conditioning replacement. Installing the correct size air conditioner is essential to the efficiency, reliability, operation, sound levels, comfort, and ongoing costs of cooling your home. If an AC unit is too small, it will struggle to keep your home cool. An oversized unit will cycle on and off too often and blow out much more air than is needed, which can cause stress to the components, require more AC repairs and maintenance, and fail much sooner than a properly sized air conditioner.
You may think getting a new air conditioner with the same cooling capacity as your old AC unit is the solution, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Consider any changes you’ve made to your home — if you have improved your home’s energy efficiency by upgrading your windows or adding insulation, you might be able to reduce your cooling needs; however, if you built an addition to your home, your cooling needs might have increased.
It is best to have a qualified cooling expert evaluate your home to help you choose the correct size system for an HVAC replacement. They will take into account significant factors that can impact what size AC unit is ideal for your home, including:
- Your home’s age
- Construction materials
- The amount, type, and age of your insulation
- The number, size, and efficiency of your windows
- Airflow and duct size tolerances
- How much sun your house gets, and where the sun strikes
- Nearby trees that may add additional shade
Air Conditioner Efficiency
Understanding AC efficiency ratings can help you choose a new air conditioning unit that will allow you to recoup the cost of a new system thanks to reduced energy bills. The efficiency rating for a central air conditioner is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), and it measures how efficiently the unit will operate at a specific outdoor temperature. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the AC unit and the more comfortable your home will be.
The minimum standard SEER rating is 13 for air conditioners. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER that ranges from 13 to 21. ENERGY STAR-qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER rating 14.5 to qualify.
Experienced Air Conditioner Replacement Technicians
When you choose Design Aire, we recognize that you are inviting us into your home to help protect your family’s comfort needs – we take that responsibility very seriously. We are:
- Insured
- Licensed
- NATE Certified
- OSHA Safety Trained
- Union Trained
- Drug-tested
- Background Checked
Our team is our most valuable asset, for it is their pride and dedication to complete the air conditioning service efficiently without worrying about frequent repairs. Learn more about the many awards and accolades recognizing our team for a job well done!
Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement Add-On Services
While we are the #1 Trane Dealer in the Midwest and have held that distinction for over a decade, our AC installation technicians service all makes and models. Along with air conditioning installation and replacement, we offer several add-on services to keep your cooling systems running as they should for years.
- Custom Sheet Metal Fittings – Our installation trucks include a Pittsburgh machine and a metal brake, allowing us to fabricate a single-piece supply plenum sized explicitly for your system whenever necessary. The custom ductwork ensures the best airflow and performance for your new system. We distinguish ourselves from other companies with our unmatched sheet metal craftsmanship. As members of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union, Local 36, our installation specialists possess superior skills and knowledge about sheet metal fabrication.
- Duct Sealing – The main areas for air leakage on your system occur closest to the blower (those locations have the highest pressure). We seal the ductwork at your coil, supply plenum, and return airdrop to prevent air loss at these critical points.
Contact Us for AC Installation Cost & Replacement in St. Louis, MO
Find out why St. Louis area families trust the HVAC installers at Design Aire to handle all their AC service needs. From installing or replacing a new AC system to routine annual maintenance and repair, we can help keep your home cool and your family comfortable throughout the warmer months. Contact Design Aire today to get a free estimate to replace and install your AC unit with an efficient new system!