Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts are careful not to focus too much on the expense of new air conditioning units. We know that you’ll save money over the long term by putting in a new AC.
How much your new AC costs will depend on a number of factors. Here are a few things to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is among the most important factors that determine the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The bigger your house is, the more powerful (and more expensive) you’ll require to cool it properly. The smallest units are about one ton and a half which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require is contingent on the layout of your home as well as the amount of rooms and doors and the quality and type of insulation, and many more. The best way to determine exactly what size of unit you require is to have a professional perform a heat load calculation referred to as the Manual J. The calculation takes into account your home’s square footage as well as the number of doors and windows and the amount of sun it receives throughout the day as well as the height of your ceilings and much more.
You’ll also have to determine if you want a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This could have an impact on the price. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage ones, however they have different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you pick will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
It is also crucial to test your ductwork prior to installing a new AC to ensure that the dimension is right. A faulty duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, excessive energy consumption, and a myriad of other issues.
Over time, the improper size AC unit can also lead to higher repair costs. The larger units will require more effort and take longer to cool your home, leading them to wear out faster and require more frequent repairs. On the other hand, a smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t be able to effectively cool your home on scorching hot days. You may even end having a unit that doesn’t function at all. This can be extremely frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is crucial because you can cut your cooling costs by a significant amount.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity it takes to perform the task at hand, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will help you determine the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your house and temperature fluctuations can influence the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily an indication of the appliance itself.
While you’ll see that the newer models are rated higher however, they’re not always operating at their maximum capacity. For example older air conditioning systems with a SEER of 13 typically will operate closer to an 8 SEER rating because of age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher efficiency rating will save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER by a model with a 14 SEER rating and you save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
Energy-efficient units also run quietly, which is another benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate innovative compressor technology and fan blade designs that ensure a quiet, comfortable operation.
While cost will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, it’s important to be aware that you’ll be spending far more than just the initial cost of your new gadget over its lifetime. A more expensive unit that’s efficient enough to last for years is a wise investment for your family. Speak to a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure that you choose the best unit for both your budget and your home. We’ll be able to find the ideal air conditioner to meet your needs. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
It is important to choose an air conditioner that can perform at its best throughout the entire life of the unit. A reputable HVAC contractor will make sure the new AC you invest in is the perfect fit to your home and you’ll get the best possible performance from it, which will allow you to reduce the energy bills over time.
When you’re comparing models for air conditioners it is an excellent idea to look at whether they come with additional features you might want or need. Certain ACs, for example, use advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a nice feature for homeowners living in urban areas with lots of noise pollution, or for anyone who wants to lower their energy consumption.
Other factors that can affect the price of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers and dealers provide incentives to encourage consumers to purchase a particular product. Ask your trusted heating and cooling company if they have any special deals or discounts.
The warranty is an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner’s price. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a set amount of time, while extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer duration. Getting an extended warranty may seem expensive initially however it will ensure you have peace of mind knowing that your new AC is protected for the long term.
The cost of installation will be included in the total cost for an air conditioner that is new. It is essential to employ an experienced, certified technician to perform the installation, since doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough money saved to pay for the installation upfront, talk to your trusted heating and cooling provider about financing programs. The majority of HVAC companies offer financing via reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been increasing. New air conditioners use less energy and offer numerous other benefits.
To figure out the price an AC system will cost, first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should contain the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation cost to determine the total cost. The price of an air conditioner will depend on the capacity, energy efficiency, and features. Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you require a variable-speed or a single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have a variety of power settings that adjust energy usage and performance based on cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than an ordinary AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor will help you determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining the amount of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your home, while a large air conditioner will use up energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to think about after having decided on the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Choosing an air conditioner with an SEER rating that is high will reduce your utility costs over time. You can also cut down on upfront costs by taking advantage of rebates from mfgs and utility companies in your area.
It is crucial to employ an an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They will ensure that your air conditioner is properly sized for your home and is installed in a way that runs as efficiently as possible. They’ll also be there for you if any issues arise with your new air cooling system. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.