With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed down the road.

When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

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

The Best Time to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of overlooking maintenance But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a major problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to operate more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and electrical costs reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to avoid emergency repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are economical, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We give free estimates at Air-Right Energy Design so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our full 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 have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big may turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This act can drive up your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less cool.

At Air-Right Energy Design, our technicians have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right 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 things that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Manassas.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, since large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Air-Right Energy Design Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Air-Right Energy Design is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 703-260-1148 to begin now!