With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement around 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 costs.
- You’ve skipped routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a result, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical bills down.
- 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 referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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 exact cost may be lower or higher.
There are a few factors that affect your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.
We provide free estimates at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At Air-Right Energy Design, Inc., our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how large your residence is, along with a few other things. 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Manassas
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows can be lower efficiency
- If your residence receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. Right Away
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 703-260-1148 to begin now!