With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive cooling bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your house feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and electrical expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to prevent unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance done. 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 are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to 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 few factors that influence your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We provide free estimates at Air-Right Energy Design so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less comfy.

At Air-Right Energy Design, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a few other things. 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 considerations that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Manassas.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your home has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

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

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually pricier, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

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

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. Air-Right Energy Design is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you select the right solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 703-260-1148 to start now!