AC Installation in Charlottesville, VA

Is it Time For a New Central AC Unit?

As a homeowner, it’s important to know when it’s time to say goodbye to the older AC systems in your home. Holding on for too long can lead to pricey repairs that are completely avoidable. Here are some of the signs that you should be in the market for a new HVAC system:

• Your unit is old – Most HVAC experts recommend replacing your central air conditioning system every 10-15 years. The right time to replace will depend on how much wear and tear your unit has incurred. If you prefer a lower temperature in your home and your air conditioner is on more frequently, you will more than likely need a replacement before someone who prefers to keep their home warmer, for example
• Frequent repairs – If you are constantly having to call the repairman, it might be time for a new unit. While it’s easy to balk at the price of a replacement, it’s better than having to constantly pay for repairs
• High energy bills – If your energy bill seems higher than normal, it could be due to your HVAC unit. The older your system is, the more energy it requires to properly cool your home. Newer systems are more energy-efficient, allowing you to save money on your utility bill

If you think it might be time for a new central AC unit, our team here at The Otter Guys is ready to help. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure your new air conditioner system is perfect for your home and your specific needs. 

What Are Some of the Ways You Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Central AC Unit?

While some arguments can be made that a new HVAC installation can help you save money in the long run, the sticker shock can still be enough to scare anyone away. So what can you do to help delay the inevitable? Here are some things that you can do to help put off the installation of a new central air conditioning system:

Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance Services

Perhaps the best way to extend the lifespan of your central AC unit is with regular maintenance services. Most experts recommend these services twice a year. With regular maintenance services to your AC systems, an expert will come to your home to take a look at your unit. This will help uncover any underlying issues that could spell disaster for the unit. 

Maintenance checks will help ensure your unit is ready for the hot summer months and surface any hidden concerns. Our team here at The Otter Guys offers regular maintenance services. We will come to your home at the same time each year to ensure your unit is prepared to keep your family as comfortable as possible.

Get Central AC Repairs When Needed

Even with regular maintenance services, the need for AC repairs may still arise. If you believe your system is damaged in any shape or form, you need to call an expert. Putting off these repairs for any period of time could end up costing you hundreds, even thousands, on more expensive repairs.  If you notice strange odors coming from the vent, loud noises, or insufficient cooling, please call us to help.

Keep an Eye On Your Unit

While it’s best to seek out professional help for regular maintenance services, there are things you can do as a homeowner to help maintain AC systems. Simply keep an eye out for things. The most important thing to do is ensure your unit’s area is always debris-free. This includes tall grass, dirt, dust, and twigs and branches. 

You also need to be sure and replace your air conditioner filter every one to three months. Regularly changing your air conditioner filter will help ensure there are no buildups in your system. These buildups can cause major damage to AC systems if left unchecked for too long.

Frequently Asked AC Installation Questions

Our top priority at The Otter Guys is helping our customers, regardless of their needs. This means answering a few questions they may have from time to time. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

How Much Does it Cost to Put AC Units in a 2000-Square-Foot House?

There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ cost to install central air conditioning in a 2,000-square-foot house. Rather, AC installation costs depend on a few different factors:

• The type of system: Your cost for a new system will depend on the system best suited for your comfort. Typical options in the Charlottesville area include a traditional central air conditioner and furnace pairing,  a ductless mini-split system, or a heat pump system. Each configuration has its own cost structure.
• The configuration of your home:  Your home’s design could also impact the complexity of the installation and, thus, the cost to install AC systems.  The number of floors, the location of the indoor unit, the location of the outdoor unit, the height of the ceiling, and the home insulation quality are factors that will impact the cost to install.
• The condition of your ductwork: If your home already has functional ductwork, the cost of installation will be lower. If not, installing or modifying ductwork could add significant costs to the project.
• Energy efficiency rating of the AC unit: Higher energy-efficiency units may cost more upfront but can save money in the long run on energy bills. Opting for more energy-efficient units can make more sense for homeowners who are in their ‘forever home.’
• Additional comfort enhancements:  Additional comfort enhancements can also add to the cost. Indoor air quality systems, smart thermostats, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers will all add up in the cost to install.

Given all of these factors, air conditioner installation prices can vary widely.  For a 2,000-square-foot home, installation prices can range anywhere from $8,400 to upwards of $19,000 or more.  If you would like an assessment to understand your options for a new air conditioner, call The Otter Guys today!

Is it Easy To Install An Air Conditioner? 

AC systems are complex and require professional installation.  Installation involves placing an evaporator coil inside your home, a condenser unit outside your home, and running refrigerant lines between them.  You may also need to install or upgrade your home’s ductwork, electrical system, or thermostat, as mentioned earlier.  Working with electricity and refrigerants can be dangerous if you’re not experienced, and there are also Virginia and local building codes that you need to comply with. Furthermore, incorrectly installing AC units can lead to inefficient operation, which can increase your energy bills or even damage and reduce the lifespan of your unit. We strongly recommend that you hire a professional, licensed contractor to complete your installation.

Is a 3-Ton AC Big Enough For a 2,000-Square-Foot House?

Generally, 3-ton AC systems may be appropriate for a 2,000-square-foot home, but this is not universally the case. There are many factors that determine the appropriate AC system for your home beyond the total square footage:

• Your home’s insulation: Better-insulated homes can keep cool air in and hot air out more effectively, which can reduce the size of the AC unit you may need. Insulation requirements have become more stringent over time, and often we find that older homes tend to be “leakier.” Thus larger systems may be more appropriate for older homes than newer homes of the same square footage.
• The number, size, and efficiency of the windows in your home: Windows can let in a lot of heat, particularly if they’re inefficient or if they receive a lot of direct sunlight. Homes with a large number of windows may require larger AC units to compensate.
• The number of occupants: This can be a little odd to think about, but every person in the home is a heat source. Thus, the more residents that are in the home, the higher rated AC unit that is required. Home occupants are an important factor in our calculations when we complete our sizing analysis.
• The layout of your home: For example, a single-story home might need a different amount of cooling than a two-story home of the same size because heat rises.  Similarly, a home with higher ceilings may require more cooling capacity.

Because of the many factors influencing cooling needs, we recommend an HVAC installation professional conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine the right size system for your specific home and circumstances.  We at The Otter Guys perform a Manual J calculation for every new HVAC installation we complete.

How Many Rooms Can a 3-Ton Air Conditioning Unit Cool? 

The unit’s cooling capacity is not the sole determinant of the number of rooms that a 3-ton AC unit can cool. Rather, factors including the total square footage of the home, the layout of the rooms, and the configuration of the ductwork all play an important role.

Generally, the rule of thumb is that a 3-ton unit is appropriate for a home of around 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. However, the key is how well the cooled air can be distributed throughout the home. If the ductwork is not properly designed or installed, some rooms may not receive as much cool air as others. Also, variables mentioned earlier, such as the number of windows, ceiling height, and number of occupants, all play a role.

In most circumstances, a 3-ton air conditioner, paired with well-designed ductwork, can cool a multi-room home of up to about 2,400 square feet. To be certain, make sure that your HVAC installation professional uses Manual J and Manual D analyses to design your air conditioning system.

How Do I Know if My AC Unit Is Big Enough? 

Often, homeowners wonder whether their air conditioner system is fit for purpose. Here’s how you can tell whether your system is sized appropriately:

1. Temperature consistency: Your AC system should be able to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. If you notice wide temperature swings or if certain rooms are warmer or cooler than others, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is not the right size.
2. Humidity control: If your home feels humid or clammy, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is too large. In these cases, the system will cool the home too quickly before it has a chance to remove humidity.
3. Run time: Your air conditioner should run fairly evenly in moderate weather. If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off, it might be too large for your home. If it seems to run constantly and struggles to keep your home cool, it might be too small. Systems that are undersized will endure higher levels of strain, which can reduce lifespan.
4. Overall comfort: The most important factor is your comfort. If you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat because you’re too hot or too cold, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is not the right size.

If you’re still unsure, the most reliable way to know if your air conditioner unit is correctly sized is to have an HVAC professional perform a Manual J calculation. This calculation considers your home’s size, layout, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors to determine the correct cooling capacity for your home.  We at The Otter Guys perform this calculation to ensure that our new installations are adequately sized.

What is The Thumb Rule For AC Tonnage Calculation? 

The rough rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot. Therefore, a 2,000-square-foot home requires a 40,000 BTU air conditioner system. Since 1 ton is equal to 12,000 BTU, this would suggest a 3.3-ton system. This rule of thumb does not substitute a detailed cooling calculation to ensure the system is sized correctly.

One thing to note is that some homeowners prefer to “oversize” their air conditioning systems. While it might seem like ‘bigger is better,’ a system that’s too big for your home is actually less efficient, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Oversized systems produce too much air for the home, straining the mechanical components, causing premature failure and significantly reduced efficiency.

Are You in Need of Air Conditioning OR HVAC Installation Services?

If you’re looking for air conditioning or HVAC installation services in the Charlottesville area, our team at The Otter Guys is ready to help! Let us provide you with a free quote so you know exactly how these services fit into your budget. Call us today to find out how we can help you with your HVAC installation needs!