With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electrical 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 past 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve avoided routine maintenance for too long. Just like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 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 stop emergency repairs is to have annual work completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a 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 major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Many 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] be different.

There are several factors that impact your total cost, including:

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

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This might also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At Fire & Ice HVAC, 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 home is, plus several other considerations. 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Manassas.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as expansive or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 number measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying 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 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 come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% constantly, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds based on your cooling requirements. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fire & Ice HVAC Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you select. Fire & Ice HVAC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you find the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 703-595-4157 to get started today!