AC Installation & Replacement in Fairfax, VA
Residential Air Conditioning Installation Throughout Fairfax County & Northern Virginia
Summer in Northern Virginia does not ease in gradually. The humidity and sustained heat that settle over Fairfax from July through August put serious demands on residential cooling systems. When an aging unit finally gives out in the middle of it, the decision to replace it involves more variables than most homeowners expect.
Long's Corporation has been installing and replacing residential HVAC systems across Northern Virginia since 1936. As a third-generation, women-owned company, we offer same-day service and honest guidance on what your home actually needs, all backed by a satisfaction guarantee and an A+ BBB rating.
Call (571) 470-5898 or contact us online to schedule AC installation or replacement in Fairfax, VA.
Our AC Installation Process in Fairfax Homes
When you schedule a visit with us, we start by listening to what has and has not worked with your current system. From there, we take measurements, look at your existing equipment, and evaluate the areas of your Fairfax home that are hardest to keep comfortable. This helps us recommend options that fit the way you and your family actually use each room, instead of relying only on nameplate sizes and rough square footage estimates.
Once you choose a system, we coordinate the installation day around your schedule and any building access requirements in your neighborhood or HOA. Our team protects floors and furnishings, removes the old unit, and installs the new equipment to meet current codes and manufacturer specifications. Before we leave, we run the system through a complete cycle, check airflow in key rooms, and go over how to use new thermostat features so you feel confident operating your updated cooling setup.
Many homeowners in Fairfax are replacing systems that are 15 years old or more, so the jump in comfort and efficiency can be significant. Taking the time to explain how your new system stages, how filters should be changed, and what normal sounds and run times look like can prevent unnecessary worry later. We are always glad to answer questions during and after your air conditioning installation in Fairfax so you feel supported long after the work is done.
Your home deserves reliable comfort and dependable plumbing. Our financing options help make repairs, replacements, and installations easier to manage. Apply today and take the next step toward a more comfortable home.
SEER Ratings and What They Mean for Your Energy Bills in Fairfax
Modern air conditioners carry a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating, or SEER, which measures how much cooling output the system delivers per unit of energy consumed across a typical cooling season. Federal minimums for new residential equipment currently range from SEER 14 to 15, depending on the region, while high-efficiency units can reach SEER 20 and above.
The efficiency premium pays off most in climates with long cooling seasons, and Northern Virginia's summer is substantial enough to make that math meaningful. A significant SEER upgrade on a system running five or six months a year can produce real savings over the life of the equipment. That said, the highest-efficiency options are not always the right fit for every home's existing ductwork and infrastructure, and we will give you an honest picture of where the value actually lies.
When we walk you through SEER choices, we also look at how long you plan to stay in the home, your comfort priorities, and any past issues with hot or cold spots. In some Fairfax homes, pairing a moderate SEER unit with improvements to airflow and duct sealing provides a better balance of cost and comfort than jumping straight to the highest rating on the shelf. Our goal is to help you choose an air conditioning installation in Fairfax that lines up with your budget today and your operating costs over the next decade.
Repair Vs. Replacement: How to Decide
Deciding whether to repair an aging air conditioner or move forward with a full replacement is one of the biggest questions homeowners face. We look beyond the immediate issue to consider the age of your current unit, its repair history, and how well it has kept up with Fairfax’s hot, humid summers. That way, you can weigh the cost of another fix against the likely remaining life of the system and the comfort you are actually getting from it.
As a general guideline, systems that are more than a decade old, use outdated refrigerants, or have recurring breakdowns during peak season are often better candidates for replacement. Newer systems with isolated problems may still make sense to repair, especially if parts are readily available and the unit has otherwise performed well. We walk you through the pros and cons in plain language so you can make a choice that feels right for your home and budget.
Because we have been working on homes across Fairfax County and surrounding communities for generations, we can also share what has worked well for families in similar homes and neighborhoods. That local perspective helps put your decision in context, whether you ultimately choose another repair or decide that an air conditioning replacement in Fairfax will serve you better over the long term.
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"Honest Company"
We switched to Long's Corporation from another company after a family member recommended Long's, and I'm so glad we did. They provided quick, caring, thorough, and honest service at fair and affordable prices.
Whitney H. -
"Top-Notch Company"
I have had nothing but good experiences with this company. Always explain what the issue is and what the repair or replacement needs are. Always very respectful of my space and always clean up after themselves. Top notch.
Jennifer S.
Why Choose Us?
Benefits of Working With an Expert Team
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Immediate, Same-Day Service
Some things can't wait. We can come see you today!
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100% Satisfaction GuaranteeWe never leave you unhappy! We guarantee it.
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Hablamos EspañolOur team is proud to help with Spanish services.
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Women-Owned Company
Three generations of woman-owned leadership.
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Affordable Financing Options
We make services affordable with financing options.
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24/7 Call Support Available
We're here to help you whenever you need us.
What Happens to Ductwork When a System Is Replaced
A new, efficient air conditioning unit connected to aging, leaking ductwork will underperform no matter what its efficiency rating says on paper.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that duct leakage accounts for up to 30 percent of cooling loss in a typical home. In Fairfax County's older housing stock, where original ductwork may be several decades old and connections may have loosened or deteriorated, taking a look at the duct system is a natural part of any replacement conversation.
Sealing and insulating the ducts can improve how well a new system performs throughout the home, particularly in houses where certain rooms have always run warmer or cooler than the rest.
During an air conditioning replacement in Fairfax, we often find opportunities to improve comfort just by addressing the duct system that is already in place. That might mean repairing damaged sections, adding returns in stuffy rooms, or rebalancing airflow so upstairs and downstairs spaces cool more evenly. By treating the ducts and the new equipment as one system, we help ensure that the investment you are making in a new unit actually shows up as better comfort and more consistent temperatures in every area of your home.
Some of the ductwork updates we may recommend include:
- Repairing or replacing runs where metal has rusted, joints have separated, or flexible duct has been crushed over time.
- Sealing visible leaks at seams, connections, and plenums to keep cooled air inside the system instead of losing it into attics, crawl spaces, or wall cavities.
- Adding or resizing returns so that each level of your home has enough air coming back to the system for balanced circulation.
- Improving insulation levels on ducts that run through unconditioned spaces, which helps reduce temperature gain before air reaches your living areas.
FAQs About AC Installation & Replacement in Fairfax, VA
How Long Does AC Installation Usually Take?
Most standard residential installations are completed in a single day, assuming the existing electrical and ductwork are in good condition. If we are also replacing components like the indoor coil or line set or adding duct modifications, the work can take longer. Before we begin, we explain what will be involved at your Fairfax home so you know how to plan your day around the project.
Will I Be Without Cooling During the Entire Installation?
There will be a period during the day when your old system is disconnected and the new one is not yet running, but we work to keep that window as short as possible. Planning the installation for a cooler part of the day or opening windows in the morning can help keep the home more comfortable while work is underway. Once the new unit is online, we verify operation before we leave so you finish the day with cooling restored.
Do I Need a Permit for AC Replacement?
Many jurisdictions in Northern Virginia require permits and inspections for equipment replacements to ensure work meets current safety and building standards. Requirements can vary based on where you live and the type of system being installed. We are familiar with local processes in Fairfax County and nearby cities and can guide you through what to expect so your project stays compliant from start to finish.
At Long's Corporation, a replacement installation means looking at the whole picture, not just the equipment being swapped out. Call (571) 470-5898 or contact us online to schedule AC installation and replacement in Fairfax, VA.
