With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

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

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. 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 neglected regular maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of not doing service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to have a major malfunction. 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 home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it could need to operate more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

Typical Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at Air-Right Energy Design so you can be confident you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide 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 essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can increase your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature variability and make your home feel less cool.

At Air-Right Energy Design, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your house is, plus a few other things. Some of the most standard 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 weather in Manassas.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as expansive or picture windows may be more inefficient.
  • If your house gets 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 proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are classified 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 requirements. 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 include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air-Right Energy Design Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you go with. Air-Right Energy Design is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 703-260-1148 to start now!