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

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Woodbridge, we know that the expense is at the top of 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 better energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through cheaper electricity bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may last longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest getting ready for air conditioning replacement near 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to stop emergency repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is protected by 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 total cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since 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 inefficient.

We give free estimates at Fire & Ice HVAC so you can know you’re getting a fantastic 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 critical. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfortable.

At Fire & Ice HVAC, our technicians have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how large your home is, plus several other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Woodbridge.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows may be less efficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 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 more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Fire & Ice HVAC Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as critical as the model you choose. Fire & Ice HVAC is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Woodbridge. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 703-595-4157 to begin right away!