With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Manassas, we know that the price is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, thanks to 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 less expensive electricity bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We advise 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 swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can cause lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 depends on 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.
General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be different.
There are several aspects that impact your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you select, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size you need.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We offer free estimates at Woody's Sudden Service 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 fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.
At Woody's Sudden Service, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how spacious your home is, along with a couple 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 considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Manassas.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
- If your home receives more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and thickness.
- How many people live in your home.
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- 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 include more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Woody's Sudden Service Today
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Woody's Sudden Service is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Manassas. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 703-278-2036 to start now!