When researching new central air replacement cost, most Birmingham, AL homeowners focus on sticker price and the cost of installation. While a new air conditioner or heat pump comes at a price, so does sticking with your old unit. How? An older air conditioning system costs you more in energy expenses as well as frequent repairs or breakdowns.

See how an upgrade to a new cooling system generates savings. Be sure to factor these in when you evaluate new central air replacement cost.

Efficiency & Central Air Replacement Cost

One of the biggest savings you gain from a new air conditioner or heat pump is improved efficiency. Older systems experience wear and tear over the years and lose efficiency. This is especially true if owners skipped regular maintenance.

The SEER rating on your current air conditioner or heat pump may not be the actual level it delivers. Also, in Birmingham, Alabama, we ask a lot of our air conditioning equipment. We use it a lot more and a lot longer than our northern neighbors. As a result, the average lifespan of a heat pump or air conditioner in our climate tends to be lower.

New air conditioners and heat pumps offer much higher energy efficiency levels than those manufactured even five to ten years ago. Energy-smart components such as variable-speed compressors draw less electricity as they maintain temperatures and dehumidify the home.

When you upgrade your air conditioner or heat pump to a unit with a higher SEER rating, less energy is used to cool your home. The result is lower energy bills!

Consider the savings generated through a cooling system upgrade when you weigh central air replacement cost versus staying with your existing AC unit. Calculate the difference in energy consumption to see just how much you stand to save with a new air conditioner or heat pump.

Breakdowns & Central Air Replacement Cost

Did you know HVAC systems experience more breakdowns in their last two years of service life? The older your air conditioner or heat pump gets, the more you call for service. Air conditioning repair bills add up, and you need to consider whether it is better to put this money toward new central air replacement cost.

New air conditioners, for example, come complete with a new warranty, which gives you valuable coverage if you need a system repair. Depending on the age of your existing system, warranty protection may not be available. Without warranty coverage, you are responsible for the costs of repairs needed to get your system up and running.

Lack of Maintenance Often Voids Warranties

Also, if you or the previous homeowner let preventive maintenance slide, it may have voided the warranty. Most homeowners are busy and it happens easily.

It’s one of the reasons Douglas Cooling & Heating offers multiple preventive service plans, called Priority Service Plans. Different levels are offered at different price points, but they all include routine inspections and service. Some plans include repair discounts and credits toward a new system if needed.

Most new air conditioners on the market include a 10-year limited warranty, which covers critical system components. Some models offer longer or shorter warranty terms.

Talk to our air conditioning replacement specialists about the warranties available on the efficient Bryant cooling systems we represent. We offer free estimates on new systems, so ask away!

Air conditioner and heat pump repairs drastically range in price, depending on the issue. Minor repairs may run a few hundred dollars, while more serious issues can cost over a thousand dollars to solve.

Plus, factor in service call costs for each breakdown you experience. Don’t forget the disruption to your schedule if you’re without air conditioning during our hot and humid Alabama summers.

Many people with certain health conditions depend on controlled humidity and cooling, so it’s often more than just comfort at stake.

New air conditioner warranty coverage helps protect your household from the mounting expenses associated with repairs for an aging cooling system.

For a Free Estimate on a Central Air Replacement Cost Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

Don’t let the sticker shock of central air replacement cost keep you from lower energy bills and better comfort this summer. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers skilled installation for high-quality cooling systems to improve indoor comfort in your Birmingham, AL home.

We also offer HVAC finance options to make air conditioning replacements easy on household budgets.

Contact us today for a free quote for central air replacement cost. We install new air conditioners and heat pumps all over the Birmingham area, including Bessemer, Hoover, Pelham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Chelsea, Calera, Homewood and Helena.

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Heating and cooling systems consume approximately 50 percent of a home’s energy use each year. With half your Birmingham home’s energy spend going to HVAC, these systems play a huge role in home energy efficiency. Improving their performance improves home energy efficiency, benefitting your family with better comfort and lower utility bills. Douglas Cooling & Heating helps Birmingham homeowners boost HVAC efficiency with these helpful tips:

5 Home Energy Efficiency Tips

1. Programmable and Smart Thermostats

Advanced thermostats are great tools for improving energy efficiency when it comes to your HVAC systems. Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules around your household’s schedule, so heating and cooling system setbacks occur automatically. Smart thermostats take this a step further, learning your schedule to make the most energy-conscious adjustments for your home.

Douglas Cooling & Heating provides installation for various models of programmable and smart thermostats. Learn more about the great products we offer and find the best fit for your home!

2. Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a necessary step to keep your heating and cooling systems’ efficiency high throughout the year. For best performance and maximum efficiency,  these HVAC tune-ups should be performed twice a year – once for heating and once for cooling. With professional preventative maintenance, system issues standing in the way of home energy efficiency are resolved. Your system will operate at its best to keep utility bills in check.

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers a preventative maintenance program to boost home energy efficiency. In addition to bi-annual tune-ups, you receive special deals on future repairs and system upgrades to increase savings.

3. Ceiling Fans

This spring, utilize your Birmingham home’s ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and give your cooling system a break. Fan blades should be set to rotate counterclockwise, which creates a draft and wind chill effect on your skin. With the use of a ceiling fan when a room is occupied, you can set back your thermostat about four degrees without sacrificing comfort.

4. Filter Changes

When you operate your cooling system with a dirty air filter, home energy efficiency greatly declines. A filter caked with debris does not allow air to move through the system as it needs. This forces your air conditioner to expend more energy to make up for the restriction, which results in higher electricity bills.

Check your air filter once a month. This is especially important during heavy use periods in spring and summer. Change it according to the manufacturer’s schedule, unless you find an early change is warranted upon inspection. This is often the case during periods of heavy system use or heavy pollen seasons.

5. Reduce Heat Gain

Reduce the amount of work your air conditioner must do when you keep heat out of your home. The more the temperature rises indoors, the harder your cooling system must work to keep your living areas comfortable. Reduce heat gain from the sun by using energy efficient window coverings such as shades or blinds. Use bathroom exhaust fans to pull warm, moist air out of your home after showers. When possible, cook outside to eliminate the heat created by your oven.

For More Home Energy Efficiency Tips Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

Take the steps to improve home energy efficiency today with the help of Douglas Cooling & Heating. We help you implement the above measures to reduce energy consumption and boost efficiency to maximize comfort and savings. Contact us today to get started.

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Spring is officially here and it’s time for your annual HVAC service call checklist. Do you know what all is performed when a Douglas Cooling & Heating technician visits your Birmingham home? Our HVAC service call checklist tells you what to expect and why these steps are important.

Have you signed up for a preventive maintenance agreement with Douglas Cooling & Heating? Our 24/7 Club membership is the best way to guarantee your heating and cooling equipment are maintained correctly, season after season.

With our 24/7 Club membership, your spring and fall maintenance tune-ups are covered, plus you receive additional savings and priority service!

HVAC Service Call Checklist

During your spring preventive maintenance tune-up, our technicians work through the following HVAC service call checklist to thoroughly care for your cooling system.

Outdoor coil cleaning

Your system’s condenser coil (the one outside in your air conditioner condenser unit) becomes caked with dirt and grime over the course of normal use.

This buildup reduces the coil’s ability to release the heat absorbed from inside, lowering cooling efficiency and stressing the system. We clean the coil to remove buildup, providing plenty of surface area for heat exchange.

Indoor coil inspection

The indoor coil is responsible for absorbing heat in your home. If it’s not working right, you won’t receive the cooling power you need. We inspect the indoor coil to make sure it’s clean and in good working condition.

Electrical inspection

Air conditioning systems are powered by electricity. For your safety, we inspect the system’s electrical elements to ensure there is no damage or other malfunctions that could pose a danger when in use.

Capacitance check

The air conditioner’s capacitator stores energy to power the unit when it’s time to start up. To ensure it does its job, we measure capacitance to learn if it needs repair or replacement before cooling season starts.

Oil motors

The blower motor inside your home is responsible for the circulation of cooled air. We oil the necessary components to keep the motor working smoothly and efficiently.

Tighten connections

Your air conditioner has many electrical connections within. We examine each connection and make sure it is tight for good contact because it aids performance and safety.

Filter change

Start cooling season with a clean air filter for better cooling system performance and efficiency. We change your filter, installing a new basic filter within the filter compartment.

Clean and treat drain line

The drain line allows condensation from the cooling process to cleanly exit your home. We examine the drain line, clean it, and treat it to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Check pressure levels

For your air conditioner to run efficiently, it needs precise refrigerant pressure levels. We measure these levels to ensure proper performance and efficiency.

Vacuum air handler

Dust and debris often settle within the air handler or blower motor compartment, where they may cause damage to components. We clean these chambers to prevent future problems and keep your system clean.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Preventive HVAC Maintenance in Birmingham

In conclusion, make sure your cooling system is ready for warmer temperatures. Schedule a preventive maintenance tune-up with Douglas Cooling & Heating today. We go through every item on our HVAC service call checklist to ensure your cooling system will work efficiently this season and provide the performance you expect. Contact us today to learn more.

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New federal regulations are going into effect likely to impact new central air conditioner prices as early as this summer. What do these regulations mean for Birmingham homeowners? Douglas Cooling & Heating shares more information about the new regulations and how they impact new cooling system upgrades.

New Regulations Affecting Fan Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has placed into effect July 3rd new regulations impacting the energy efficiency level of furnace fans, known as the fan efficiency rating (FER) ruling. Newly manufactured systems must use electronically commutated motors, also known as ECMs. While ECMs were in use prior to the regulations, most furnaces utilize a standard induction motor, which offers a much lower efficiency level (typically between 60 and 65 percent).

What is the purpose of the new regulations? ECMs offer a much higher blower motor efficiency than standard induction motors, improving the overall energy efficiency of a home’s heating and cooling system.

What the New Regulations Mean for Central Air Conditioner Prices

The DOE expects the new fan efficiency rules to greatly impact HVAC energy efficiency in American homes. In most systems, cool air created by the cooling system circulates using the furnace’s blower motor.

It’s best to replace your indoor components (furnace or air handler) at the same time you replace your outdoor components (central air conditioner or heat pump). So, when you upgrade your cooling system, your heating equipment should be upgraded as well. In the HVAC industry, we call this a matched system. It means the entire HVAC system and its components are paired together for best energy efficiency and performance.

Therefore, central air conditioner prices will likely go up, as manufacturers expect price increases due to the new fan efficiency ratings. If you’re not ready to upgrade to ECM technology, you may repair your induction motor when called for, if possible. This is the more affordable upfront option, but you will not benefit from the drastic efficiency improvements that upgrading to an ECM provides.

Energy Savings Balance Higher Central Air Conditioner Prices

The initial investment will likely be higher to purchase new cooling equipment. The improved fan efficiency, however, will generate more energy savings for your Birmingham home. Through a reduction in energy consumption, systems using ECMs are also better for the environment.

The DOE anticipates the fan efficiency rating ruling to positively impact American households. With an ECM fan anticipate the following savings:

• Energy savings of approximately 50 percent in the home
• More than $9 billion in residential electricity savings through the year 2030
• A total of 3.99 quads of energy saved
• Approximately 34 million metric tons of carbon pollution eliminated

Experts expect the improved efficiency of an ECM to generate consumer savings between $340 and $500 over the component’s service life.

Ready to Get An Estimate? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating and Be Prepared

The new fan efficiency regulations impact Birmingham homeowners in improved energy efficiency as well as higher central air conditioner prices. Is an air conditioner upgrade the right move for your home? Douglas Cooling & Heating is happy to help determine if a new central air conditioner is right for your home. Contact us today to learn more.

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If your AC starts and stops, your system is most likely short cycling. Certain system issues cause short cycling and it negatively affects your comfort as well as the energy bills for your Birmingham, AL home. Learn what it is and what to do to prevent it. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers the help you need to stop short cycling and improve indoor comfort.

What Is AC Short Cycling?

AC short cycling is a term that describes when an air conditioner prematurely ends its cooling cycle, then starts it back up soon after. These frequent starts and stops cause early wear and tear, which damages the air conditioner’s components. Left unchecked, short cycling may lead to early compressor burnout and the need for early system replacement.

In addition to the damage done to your air conditioning system, frequent AC starts and stops cause the cooling system to consume a greater amount of power. Once your air conditioner starts short cycling, your utility bills will drastically rise. Excessive electricity consumption will go on until the issue behind the short cycling is resolved.

What Causes Short Cycling?

There are multiple causes behind AC starts and stops, which the expert HVAC technicians diagnose. Common causes of AC starts and stops include:

• Refrigerant leaks: Leaking refrigerant causes numerous problems within a cooling system, one of which is short cycling. Short cycling is one tell-tale sign that your system suffers a refrigerant leak. The short cycling combined with low refrigerant levels pose a damage threat to your system’s compressor.
• Dirty air filter: When an air filter is clogged with debris, not enough air is able to move through the system. This prevents the evaporator coil from absorbing heat, causing the cooling cycle to abruptly stop.
• Thermostat issues: Faulty thermostats may communicate early stops to cooling equipment. If the thermostat doesn’t take accurate temperature readings, it signals AC starts and stops at inappropriate intervals.

Prevent AC Starts and Stops

Prevent AC starts and stops when you take these steps to safeguard your Birmingham home’s cooling equipment:

• Change air filters regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter change frequency. This is anywhere from one to 12 months, depending on the filter.
• Properly position your thermostat. Do not install it in direct sunlight or drafty areas, such as by the front door.
• Sign up for a service plan. Annual preventative maintenance performed by Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians ensures your cooling equipment is tuned-up and working properly. HVAC techs change filters, check refrigerant levels and note signs of stress. They repair minor issues before they cause short cycling and extensive damage to your system. They clean, maintain and check all vital components of your air conditioner. This improves the performance and energy efficiency of the cooling system over the course of the warmer months.

If Your AC Starts and Stops Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Help

Put an end to AC starts and stops today with the help of Douglas Cooling & Heating. Contact us for quick repairs that resolve short cycling, and preventative maintenance agreements to prevent it season after season. We are here to help you create a more comfortable and energy efficient Birmingham home!

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Less than a year remains before a law banning the production of a common air conditioner refrigerant goes into effect. As part of Sections 601-607 of the Clean Air Act, manufacturers aren’t allowed to make Freon, also known as HCFC-22 or R-22, and must phase it out of use completely by January 1, 2020.

What does this mean for Birmingham homeowners with HVAC units that rely on Freon air conditioner refrigerant? Below we help clear the air about the upcoming R-22 ban and ways to stay in compliance with the new regulations.

Air Conditioner Refrigerant 2020 Regulations

For decades, residential air conditioners used R-22 as the main air conditioner refrigerant chemical. Studies found HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), the chemicals refrigerators and air conditioners use to cool, contribute to ozone depletion and climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a mandate phasing out the production of R-22 by January 1, 2020.

What the Air Conditioner Refrigerant Regulations Mean for Homeowners

The good news for Birmingham homeowners? Air conditioning systems made after 2010 no longer rely on R-22. Instead, most new units use a more environmentally-friendly air conditioner refrigerant called R-410A. Also called Puron, it’s an HCFC harmless to the ozone.

If you had an HVAC technician install a new air conditioner sometime over the past decade, it’s possible it’s compliant.

However, it’s still best to look for your air conditioner’s refrigerant type on your condenser’s nameplate, consult your user’s manual, or check with an HVAC technician just to be safe. Have you scheduled a tune-up for your air conditioner yet? Now’s a great time. You can verify refrigerant compliance as well as benefit from maintenance services. 

If you cool your home with a pre-2010 AC unit that uses R-22, you have a couple options:

Option #1: Retrofit Your Current AC System

You’re not required under the mandate to buy a new air conditioner. However, you cannot drain your unit of R-22 and switch to an ozone-friendly air conditioner refrigerant.

Different refrigerants operate at different pressure levels and need different components to run. The retrofit process requires an HVAC technician to replace parts of your system to coincide with a new environmentally friendly refrigerant. Skipping this step may lead to system failure, in which case you have to purchase a new system anyway.

However, if your older AC unit’s coils are compatible with R-410A refrigerant, it’s possible for an HVAC professional to replace the condenser without modifying other components throughout your house. While costly, it keeps your current system working and in compliance with the mandate.

Option #2: Replace Your Older AC Unit

Retrofitting older air conditioners often costs as much or more than a new unit installation. Therefore, many homeowners replace their AC unit with a new system designed to use R-410A or other permitted coolants.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 years. A new unit ensures greater long-term savings through increased efficiency. Plus, system replacement eliminates the R-22 replacement cost and higher energy bills for the next several years.

Count on Douglas Cooling & Heating to Keep You Up-to-Date with Air Conditioner Refrigerant Rules

In conclusion, proper installation, servicing and air conditioner refrigerant replacement requires special training to prevent leaks of harmful chemicals. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for professional advice about the type of air conditioner refrigerant in your HVAC unit or the best solution for the older air conditioner unit in your Birmingham home. If you’re ready to upgrade, we offer finance options as well. 

We serve customers in Bessemer, Homewood, Hoover, Calera and Mountain Brook. You’ll also see our trucks en route to customers in Chelsea, Pelham, Helena and Vestavia Hills. Need a plumber? We recently expanded our services to include plumbing such as water heater installation, leaky faucet repairs as well as water quality and drain cleaning. 

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