Every full system replacement we do includes the equipment, the labor, the removal, and the commissioning. Here's what's covered on a standard Fairfax swap, and what we'd quote separately if your home needs it.
An AHRI-matched condenser and evaporator coil, sized to your home's load calculation. We don't reuse old coils with new condensers, because mismatched pairs lose efficiency and can void the manufacturer warranty. You get the rated SEER2 and the full parts warranty.
New copper tubing, a new outdoor whip, and a new disconnect if yours is worn. We braze with nitrogen, pressure-test at 500 psi, and pull a deep vacuum below 500 microns. The breaker and thermostat get checked and programmed before we leave.
New PVC condensate line, properly pitched, with a float switch where the code requires it. Fairfax County humidity means a clogged drain is one of the most common summer callbacks. We run the line to a safe discharge point and test it with water.
We recover the refrigerant, disconnect the old unit, and haul the condenser, coil, and line set away. Recycling is handled properly. You don't pay a separate disposal fee and you don't have to schedule a county pickup.
A full cooling cycle, temperature-split check, and thermostat setup. We show you the filter size, the breaker location, and the warranty registration. You get the paperwork before we pack up, and our number for anything that comes up later.
AC replacement Fairfax VA is the removal of a failed or aging cooling system and the installation of a new condenser, evaporator coil, and matched line set. We recover the old refrigerant with a recovery machine, flush or replace the copper tubing, and pressure-test every joint before charging the system with R-410A or R-32. A manifold gauge set and vacuum pump confirm the system holds a deep vacuum, so moisture never eats the compressor from the inside.
Most Fairfax homes we see are running 15- to 20-year-old units that still use R-22 or early R-410A. When summer hits 95 degrees and the system can't hold 75 indoors, repairs stop making financial sense. If you need air conditioner replacement in Fairfax, Virginia, we'll tell you straight whether a repair buys you another season or whether it's time. We also handle old AC replacement Fairfax VA jobs where the old unit is a mismatched mess.
Five steps from your first call to cool air. Most jobs finish in one day, and we leave the workspace cleaner than we found it.
Schedule
Call or book online — a real human picks up and confirms a 2-hour arrival window.
Diagnose
Licensed tech inspects on-site, then walks you through the cause and your options.
Fix
The job is completed to code and done right the first time — no shortcuts, no surprises.
Guarantee
Every job backed by a written workmanship warranty — and we stand behind it.
Manifold gauge set
Used to read high-side and low-side pressures during evacuation and charging. It tells us whether the system is holding the right refrigerant charge and whether the compressor is working within spec.
Vacuum pump and micron gauge
Pulls the system down below 500 microns before charging. Moisture left in the line set will form acid and kill the compressor, so this step is non-negotiable on every install.
Refrigerant recovery machine
Recovers R-410A and R-32 from the old system so it can be recycled. Required by EPA Section 608 rules, and it keeps refrigerant out of the atmosphere during removal.
Clamp meter and multimeter
Checks compressor amp draw, capacitor microfarads, and control voltage. We use these on the diagnostic visit to confirm whether a repair makes sense or replacement is the better call.
Torch kit and flaring tool
Used to braze copper line sets with nitrogen flowing and to make flare connections on ductless and mini-split equipment. Clean joints prevent leaks that would otherwise show up months later.
Psychrometer
Measures wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures to calculate the system's actual capacity and latent removal. It's how we verify the new unit is dehumidifying, not just cooling.
Manual J load calculation
We measure square footage, window area and orientation, insulation values, and duct size, then calculate the actual heating and cooling load. This prevents oversizing, which causes short cycling, poor humidity control, and premature compressor failure.
AHRI-matched system pairing
The condenser and evaporator coil must be tested together to earn their efficiency rating. We only install AHRI-certified matches, so the SEER2 on the sticker is the SEER2 you actually get, and the manufacturer warranty stays intact.
Nitrogen brazing and pressure testing
We flow nitrogen while brazing to prevent copper oxide inside the line set, then pressure-test at 500 psi. Any leak shows up before we charge the system, not after the drywall is back up.
Deep vacuum and weigh-in charging
We pull a vacuum below 500 microns and hold it, then charge refrigerant by weight rather than by gauge guessing. This is the difference between a system that lasts 15 years and one that loses a compressor in year three.
01
What we do: R-22 is phased out and expensive. We quote a new R-410A or R-32 system with a matched coil and new line set. The old refrigerant gets recovered, and the new system is charged by weight so there's no guesswork.
→ You stop paying for refrigerant every summer and get a system that holds its charge. Most homeowners see lower bills within the first full cooling month.
02
What we do: We run a new load calculation that includes the added square footage, then size a replacement condenser and coil for the whole house. If the ductwork needs a zone damper or a return added, we quote that too.
→ The basement and the main floor both hold temperature on a 95-degree afternoon. No more portable units or running the fan 24/7.
03
What we do: We walk through the math: repair cost, expected remaining life, and the efficiency of a new system. If the numbers favor replacement, we quote Carrier, Trane, and Goodman options at different price points and schedule the install.
→ You spend a bit more upfront but reset the clock on the whole system, with a new parts warranty and lower operating cost. No second compressor bill in two years.
04
What we do: We size a cold-climate heat pump, verify the electrical panel can handle it, and install the matched air handler. The old AC and furnace get removed, and we set up the thermostat for dual-fuel or all-electric operation.
→ One system handles heating and cooling, and you qualify for available efficiency incentives. Summer cooling is covered, and winter heating is handled without a separate furnace.
Fairfax summers are humid and hot, with July and August regularly hitting 95 degrees and dew points in the 70s. That combination stresses cooling systems and makes proper charging and coil matching more important than in drier climates. Most of the housing stock we work on was built between 1965 and 2005, so we see a lot of original ductwork sized for 10-SEER equipment. When we install a new high-efficiency system, we check static pressure and duct sizing, because a great condenser on undersized ducts won't deliver. Fairfax County permits and inspections apply to replacements, and we pull them where required. If you're searching for energy efficient AC replacement Fairfax VA, we'll show you the SEER2 ratings and the actual operating cost difference, not just the sticker.
Annandale
Older ranch and split-level homes with original ductwork. We often find undersized returns and recommend a duct modification alongside the new condenser.
Centreville
1990s and 2000s builder-grade systems reaching end of life. Many homes here are on their second AC, and we see a lot of mismatched coils from prior replacements.
Vienna
A mix of older homes and renovations. Additions often push the original AC past its capacity, so we run a fresh load calculation before quoting tonnage.
Burke
Established neighborhoods with mature trees and shaded condensers. We check clearance and airflow, since debris and shade can mask a refrigerant or airflow problem.
High summer humidity and dew points in the 70s
Systems must be charged correctly and coils matched to remove moisture. An oversized unit will short-cycle and leave the house clammy even when the thermostat reads 72.
Aging ductwork sized for older, lower-efficiency equipment
New high-efficiency condensers need proper airflow. We measure static pressure and will quote duct modifications if the existing runs can't support the new system.
Fairfax County permit and inspection requirements
Replacement work needs to be code-correct, including condensate management and electrical disconnects. We pull permits where required and schedule the inspection.
Mixed housing stock from the 1960s through the 2000s
No single tonnage fits every home. We run a load calculation on each house rather than matching the old unit's size, which is often wrong after decades of changes.
Most replacement calls start with one of these symptoms. If you're seeing any of them, it's worth a diagnostic visit before the system quits entirely.
Problem
The house climbs past 80 by mid-afternoon, the system runs nonstop, and your power bill spikes. Running a failing compressor in that condition often finishes it off for good.
Our Fix
We diagnose the charge, compressor amp draw, and coil condition. If the compressor is over spec or the system is low on R-22, we quote a replacement with a same-week install window. You get cool air back and a system that isn't running itself to death.
Problem
Ice builds on the indoor coil, airflow drops, and eventually the compressor overheats. A slow leak means you're recharging every season, which adds up fast and never fixes the root cause.
Our Fix
We pressure-test with a manifold gauge set and an electronic leak detector. If the leak is in the coil or line set on an older system, replacement usually beats a repair. We recover the old refrigerant, install new matched equipment, and verify the charge by weight.
Problem
The breaker trips every time the system starts, or the blower won't push air. On a 15-year-old unit, a failed blower motor is often the first sign the whole system is near end of life.
Our Fix
We test the motor, capacitor, and contactor with a clamp meter and multimeter. If it's a single failed part on a younger system, we repair it. If the unit is old and the repair cost is climbing, we quote a full replacement and haul the old equipment away.
Problem
Water backs up into the pan, the float switch shuts the system down, and in bad cases it stains ceilings or damages drywall. Fairfax humidity makes this a recurring problem on neglected systems.
Our Fix
We clear the PVC line, check the pan and float switch, and confirm proper pitch. On a replacement, we install a new condensate line and test it. If the drain pan is rusted through, that's a sign the coil is near failure and replacement is worth discussing.
A new system cuts summer power bills, ends the repair cycle, and keeps your family cool when Fairfax hits triple digits. Here's what you actually gain.
Lower summer bills
A modern 16-SEER2 unit uses roughly 30% less electricity than a 10-SEER system from 2005. In a Fairfax summer, that's real money back on every Dominion Energy bill. We size the new condenser to your ductwork and home square footage, so you're not paying to cool air you don't need.
End the repair cycle
Once a compressor or blower motor fails on a 15-year-old unit, the next failure is usually weeks away. Replacing the whole system resets the clock. You get a manufacturer parts warranty plus our workmanship coverage, so you're not writing another $600 check in August.
Better humidity control
Fairfax summers run humid. A properly charged system with a matched evaporator coil pulls moisture out of the air instead of just dropping the temperature. You'll notice it first in the basement and the upstairs bedrooms, which stay drier and feel cooler at the same thermostat setting.
Quieter, cleaner operation
New compressors and ECM blower motors run far quieter than the units we pull out of 1990s Fairfax homes. We also seal the plenum and check the PVC condensate line while we're in there, so you're not chasing water stains on the ceiling two months later.
Google ★★★★★4.9
Replaced our old Carrier with a new Trane in one day. They ran a load calc, showed us the numbers, and didn't try to upsell. Old unit hauled away, new line set, and the house was cool by 5 p.m. Fairfax crew, on time, clean work.
Yelp ★★★★★4.8
Got three quotes for AC replacement. These guys were the only ones who measured the house and explained why the old tonnage was wrong. New Lennox runs quiet and our upstairs finally cools. Worth every penny.
BBB ★★★★★5.0
Our AC died on a Friday in July. They came out same day, confirmed the compressor was gone, and had a new Goodman installed by Monday afternoon. Price matched the quote, no surprises, and they cleaned up after themselves.
Google ★★★★★4.9
Switched from an old AC and furnace to a Mitsubishi heat pump. The crew explained the thermostat setup and tested the system in both modes before leaving. Heating and cooling from one system, and they handled the permit. Solid work.
Fairfax HVAC Experts has been installing and replacing cooling systems since 2004. That's 22 years of Northern Virginia summers, code changes, and equipment evolution. Our lead installers hold NATE certification and EPA Section 608 certification, and we work to ACCA quality standards on every job. We've replaced everything from 1970s split systems in Annandale to newer builder-grade units in Centreville that failed early. We know which brands hold up in Fairfax County humidity and which ones don't.
Real experiences from customers who chose our AC Replacement services.
“Our 18-year-old Trane finally died in July. Fairfax HVAC Experts came out the same afternoon, confirmed the compressor was gone, and had a new Lennox running by 4 p.m. the next day. They pulled the old unit, new pad, new line set, and the price matched the quote to the dollar. House was 72 by dinner.”
Dave R.
Homeowner, Burke
“We got three quotes for air conditioner replacement in Fairfax, Virginia. These guys were the only ones who actually measured the house and ran a load calc. The other two just matched the old tonnage. New Carrier system runs quieter and our upstairs finally cools evenly. Worth the extra day of waiting.”
Priya S.
Homeowner, Vienna
“Called about a frozen coil and expected a repair bill. Tech showed me the compressor was pulling way over spec and the system was 17 years old. He didn't push, just gave me numbers. We replaced it with a Rheem two days later. No upsell, no drama, and they hauled the old one away.”
Marcus T.
Homeowner, Centreville
Real answers to the questions we hear most often from local homeowners and property managers.
When your AC dies at 9 p.m. on a July Saturday, we run emergency calls across Fairfax County. If the system is repairable, we fix it. If it's a compressor failure on a 20-year-old unit, we can often schedule the replacement for the next morning.
View Emergency HVAC RepairNot every failing system needs replacement. We diagnose capacitors, contactors, blower motors, and refrigerant leaks before we recommend a new unit. If a $300 repair buys you three more summers, we'll tell you that instead of pushing a sale.
View AC RepairNew construction, additions, and first-time installs. We run the load calculation, size the equipment, and install the full system from pad to thermostat. If you're replacing a window unit or adding central air to an older Fairfax home, this is the service.
View AC InstallationYour furnace and AC share the blower and the ductwork. When we replace a cooling system, we inspect the furnace too. If the heat exchanger is cracked or the igniter is failing, we can handle that repair on the same visit or schedule it before winter.
View Furnace RepairIf your furnace is as old as the AC we're replacing, it often makes sense to swap both at once. You save on labor and get a matched system. We install Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Goodman furnaces sized to your Fairfax home's heat load.
View Furnace InstallationHeat pumps handle both heating and cooling, so a failure hits year-round. We diagnose reversing valves, defrost boards, and refrigerant charge issues. If the compressor is gone, we can quote a heat pump replacement instead of a straight AC swap.
View Heat Pump RepairReach us at +1 (571) 760-4715 any time, day or night. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and emergency dispatch runs 24/7. Most calls placed before noon get a same-day visit.
Phone
+15717604715Address
14500 Chronical Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours
Mon–Fri: 7AM – 7PM
Sat: 8AM – 4PM
Sun: Emergency Only
24/7 Emergency Available
