Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts try to avoid focusing too much on the cost of new air conditioning units. We are aware that a new AC unit will save you money over time through energy savings by itself.
How much your new AC costs depends on a number of factors. Here are some things to think about:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is one of the most important factors that determines the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The bigger your house is, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you will need to cool it effectively. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will vary depending on your home’s layout and the number of rooms and doors, the type of insulation you choose and more. The best method to determine exactly what size of cooling unit you require is to hire an expert perform a heat load calculation referred to as a Manual J. The calculation considers the square footage of your home in addition to the number of windows and doors, the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height and much more.
You’ll also have to decide whether you prefer one-stage or multi-stage systems. This could have an impact on the cost. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, but they offer different levels in efficiency. The kind of equipment you pick will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
In addition it is crucial to have your ductwork tested prior to the installation of an air conditioner to ensure that it is properly measured. A defective duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, high energy consumption, and a myriad of other problems.
A faulty size AC unit will also result in higher repair costs over time. An oversized unit will overwork and work harder to keep your house cool, which causes it to wear down faster and will require repairs more frequently. A small unit on the other hand, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your home during hot days. You could end having a unit that doesn’t work in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect since you’ll be able lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power it takes to perform an exact task, which is measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you evaluate the efficiency of your unit. The size of your home and temperature fluctuations will affect the rating of the appliance. It is not necessarily an indicator of the unit itself.
It’s likely that newer units have higher SEER than older ones, but it’s worth noting that even the top-rated units aren’t operating at their maximum capacity. Because of wear and age, older air conditioners with a SEER rating of 13 will likely to operate closer to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save huge amounts of money over one year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER by a model with 14 SEER, you can save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate advanced compressor technology and blade designs to provide a quiet, comfortable operation.
While price will certainly influence your decision-making process, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be spending far more than just the initial purchase cost of your new unit over its lifetime. A more expensive unit that is efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a great investment for your family. Speak with a reputable expert such as our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you pick the right model for your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that suits your needs. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your home for over a decade and that’s why it’s important to choose one that performs at the highest performance and efficiency throughout its lifetime. A good HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you purchase is the right choice for your home and will provide you with the most efficient performance. This will lower your energy costs.
It is important to evaluate air conditioner models and check whether there are extra features that you may want or need. For example, some ACs use advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is a nice feature for homeowners who live in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or anyone who wants to lower their energy consumption.
Other factors that can affect your new air conditioner cost include rebates and financing options. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to encourage consumers to buy a specific item. Ask your reliable heating and air conditioning company if they offer any special discounts or offers.
The warranty is an important factor in determining the new air conditioner’s cost. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer periods of time than the standard manufacturer warranty. A warranty extended may appear expensive initially but it can to ensure you are secure knowing that your new air conditioner is protected for the long term.
The cost of installation will be included in the price for an air conditioner that is new. It’s important to hire a certified, professional technician to perform the installation in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options for those who don’t have enough money to pay for installation up front. The majority of top HVAC companies offer financing through trusted institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy bills are increasing, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners are efficient in energy use and offer other advantages.
The first step to find out the price an AC system will cost is to obtain quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should contain the cost of the air conditioner and the installation cost for a total project cost. The cost of an air conditioner depends on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You’ll also have to decide if you would like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings that can be adjusted to control energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor will assist you in determining the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A smaller air conditioner will not be able to meet your home’s cooling requirements while a huge air conditioner will use up energy and money.
Once you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next factor to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient the air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
You can save money on your utility bills when you choose an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also save on upfront costs by availing rebates from mfgs and utilities companies in your region.
If you need a new air conditioner it is important to choose a reputable contractor to install. They’ll make sure that your air conditioner is properly designed to your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure that it runs at its best. They’ll also assist you in the event that your air conditioner experiences any issues. If you’re ready to start saving on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, get in touch with us today!