# A/C Replacement on the Horizon? A Checklist of Tasks to Perform > An A/C replacement will boost comfort in your home and lower energy bills. Find out what's involved in a/c selection and installation. ![a/c replacement, Holliston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/air-con-component.jpg "air con component")Is your existing air conditioning system aging and inefficient? An A/C replacement will boost comfort in your home and lower energy bills, as new cooling systems achieve higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings and employ features that drive comfort and savings. ![a/c replacement, Holliston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/air-con-component.jpg "air con component") When sized and installed correctly, your A/C replacement will operate to peak capacity, driving return on investment. Here’s how to proceed. ## Selection Your budget will essentially dictate the type of system you can select; however, it generally pays to invest in a system with [as high a SEER rating as possible](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/new-home-air-conditioner-seer-rating-features.html). - While federal minimum standards for A/C efficiency rests at SEER 13, high-efficiency systems will net you much higher monthly energy savings. These systems start at SEER 16. - High-efficiency systems employ features that greatly advance comfort and savings. They use components that run continuously, instead of repeatedly starting and stopping, which wears out the components more quickly. Therefore, the components will last longer, [extending the system’s useful service life](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/high-efficiency-air-conditioner-offers-low-lifetime-costs.html). - Tax credits are available for high-efficiency systems. You can get a credit of $300 on your next tax return for making the purchase. ## Sizing and installation Even with the highest efficiency system installed in your home, you won’t get the [expected results](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/peak-air-conditioner-performance-tips.html) from the A/C if the unit isn’t sized and installed correctly. Your HVAC contractor should: - Calculate the home’s cooling load using a method called Manual J, developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). This method takes into account the home’s insulation, air sealing, window efficiency and more. - The contractor will then use the Manual S method to size the capacity of the air conditioner to meet the home’s load. Once the selection process is complete, the contractor will begin to install the unit by: - Locating the outdoor condenser away from direct sunlight and winds - Measuring airflow - Checking the refrigerant charge - Testing the ductwork system - Ensuring that the indoor and outdoor units are properly matched (in cases where a furnace is involved) If you’re facing an A/C replacement and would like expert assistance, contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) today. We serve homeowners along the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* *air conditioners **and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/ac-replacement-checklist-tasks.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/ac-replacement-checklist-tasks.html)