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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we realize that the expense tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that buying a new air conditioner could be more economical than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

Here’s what to prepare for 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 hard. Here’s what our pros 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 suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 avoided routine maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can result in decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping tune-ups But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it could need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are several details that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.

We offer free estimates at Fire & Ice HVAC so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Fire & Ice HVAC, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your house is, along with several other factors. 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 factors that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Manassas.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because large or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your house receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • 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 efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • 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 at least 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fire & Ice HVAC Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you select. Fire & Ice HVAC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, working with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 703-595-4157 to get started today!