A new air conditioner is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your home. The brand matters less than two things: correct sizing and quality installation. A properly sized, well-installed system cools evenly, controls humidity and lasts longer. An oversized or poorly installed one short-cycles, leaves the house clammy and fails early. Ace Mechanical has installed systems in Hampton Roads homes for more than 30 years, and we do it right.
When is it time to replace your air conditioner?
Most central air conditioners in coastal Virginia last about 12 to 15 years. Salt air, long cooling seasons and skipped maintenance can shorten that. If your system is under about 12 years old, a repair is usually the better value. When an older system starts showing these signs, replacement is worth a serious look:
- Weak cooling or airflow that repairs haven't fixed
- Blowing warm air, or constant or short cycling
- Cooling bills rising year after year
- Several repairs in the last couple of years
- Hot and cold spots or high humidity in the house
- Leaking refrigerant, or a system that uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced
- Loud noises or odors during operation
Not sure? We'll inspect your system and give you an honest recommendation, along with the repair price and replacement options in writing. See AC repair if you're not ready to replace.
Our AC installation process
- Home evaluation. We look at square footage, insulation, windows, sun exposure and the condition of your ductwork, not just the size of the old unit.
- Right-sized recommendations. Bigger isn't better in Hampton Roads. We recommend a system sized for your home's actual cooling load and humidity.
- Written, flat-rate quote. You get clear options, usually good, better and best, with the full installed price for each. No surprises.
- Professional installation. New pad or stand, line set flushed or replaced, a new condensate drain and float switch, and your thermostat. Permits are pulled when required.
- Start-up and walkthrough. We test refrigerant charge, airflow and temperature split, clean up, and show you how everything works.
Most straight replacements are finished in one day, so you're not without air conditioning for long.
AC or heat pump?
Most Hampton Roads homes use heat pumps because our winters are mild, and a heat pump both heats and cools. If you have natural gas and like furnace heat on the coldest mornings, an air conditioner paired with a gas furnace, or a dual-fuel heat pump, may fit better. We'll explain the trade-offs for your home. See heat pump replacement.
Installation details that matter here
- Flood-prone areas. In low-lying parts of Norfolk, Poquoson, Hampton and Virginia Beach, we can raise the outdoor unit on a stand.
- Attic air handlers. We install a float switch and a properly pitched drain so condensate never ends up in your ceiling.
- Coastal corrosion. Near the water, we'll discuss coil coatings and placement to help the new system last.
- Ductwork. A new system on leaky, crushed ducts won't perform. We check them and tell you if they need repair.
Why choose Ace Mechanical
- Family-owned and operated in Hampton Roads for 30+ years
- Licensed Virginia contractor (#2705120886) and fully insured
- Written, flat-rate pricing with no pressure
- Honest advice, including when a repair still makes more sense
AC installation throughout Hampton Roads
We install air conditioning in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Williamsburg and Smithfield. Request a free replacement quote or call (757) 495-7782.
Flat-rate, approved first. We diagnose, tell you what failed and what it costs to fix, and start only after you approve the price. No surprise add-ons on the invoice.
Common questions
How long does an AC installation take?
Most straight replacements take one day. Jobs that add ductwork, upgrade electrical or move equipment can take longer. We'll give you the timeline with your quote.
How long do air conditioners last in Hampton Roads?
Typically 12 to 15 years. Homes near the water, systems that run long seasons, and units that skip maintenance can wear out sooner.
What size AC do I need?
It depends on your home, not just square footage. Insulation, windows, sun exposure and ductwork all matter. We size the system to your home's actual load so it controls humidity as well as temperature.
Do you offer financing?
Ask when you call. We'll go over current payment options with your written quote.
Is a new AC more efficient?
Yes. Current systems use significantly less energy than units from 12 to 15 years ago, and a correctly sized system with good ductwork adds to those savings.
Call (757) 495-7782 or send a request. You approve the price before we start.