If your central AC is over 12 to 15 years old, it's running less efficiently than current equipment and probably costing you more in electricity than it should. New systems run quieter, use about a third less energy than 2000s-era units, and handle the humidity in central Virginia summers more comfortably. Fresh Air replaces central AC for homes across the city of Richmond, from historic Fan District and Museum District homes to new construction infill in Northside and Manchester. The right choice of equipment depends on the era of the home, the condition of the ductwork, and how much you want to invest up front.
A typical AC replacement covers the outdoor condenser, the matched indoor evaporator coil, the line set or a flush of the existing one, any electrical work at the disconnect, a new smart thermostat if you want one, and full commissioning (refrigerant charge, airflow, static pressure, temperature split). For older Richmond homes, we pay extra attention to the ductwork. Many homes have ducts that have been pieced together over the decades, and sealing or repairing them is often the highest-ROI step in the project.
Most AC replacements finish in a day. Conversions to a heat pump or projects that include ductwork can run two to three days. Historic homes sometimes need an extra day for careful work around plaster walls, original mouldings, or small mechanical rooms.
For Richmond homes, a standard AC replacement on an existing system runs $5,500 to $9,500 installed. Two-stage and variable-speed equipment usually runs $9,500 to $14,000. Older homes often need additional work (coil replacement, duct repair, electrical) that moves the total. We lay out each line item separately in the written quote so you can see what's driving the number.
Standard AC replacements don't qualify for the federal 25C credit, but high-efficiency heat pumps do. If both the AC and furnace are aging, a heat pump conversion is often the better long-term call. Dominion Energy's Smart Cooling Rewards also offers rebates on qualifying smart thermostats and equipment. We walk you through which programs apply at the time of the quote.
The city of Richmond is core service area for us. We work on everything from older Fan and Museum District homes to new builds in Manchester. Fresh Air has served the Richmond area since 2011. All technicians are NATE-certified. The work runs under Virginia contractor licenses 2710051155 and 2705143403, every project is permitted and inspected, and we carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Call Fresh Air at 804-730-1999 or book online for a free in-home assessment and a written quote on AC replacement in Richmond. Free estimates on installation projects.