Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts are careful not to focus too much on the cost of new air cooling units. We know that you will save money in the long run by installing a brand new AC.
How much your new AC costs depends on a variety of factors. Here are some things to think about:
Size of Your Home
The size of your house is among the most important factors that determines the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The larger your home, the more powerful unit (and costlier) you will need to effectively cool it. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units may be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require is contingent on the layout of your house as well as the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and many more. The best way to determine exactly what size of cooling unit you require is to have an expert perform the heat load calculation, also known as the Manual J. The calculation takes into account the size of your home, the number of windows and doors, the amount and duration of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and much more.
You’ll also need to decide whether you prefer a single-stage or multi-stage system. This can have an impact on the price. Single-stage units generally cost less than multi-stage ones, however both offer different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also influence the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
Additionally it is essential to have your ductwork tested prior to putting in an air conditioner to ensure that it is properly size. A damaged duct system could cause poor indoor air quality, over use of energy and a variety of other issues.
A wrong size AC unit can result in higher repair costs over time. Larger units will take longer and take longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. On the other hand, a smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling needs and won’t be able effectively cool your home during hot, humid days. You may have a useless unit. This could 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 an important factor because it will allow you to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to accomplish a particular task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the fluctuations in temperature will influence the efficiency of your appliance and is not directly a reflection of the appliance’s performance.
Even though you’ll notice that the latest models are more rated however, they’re not always operating at maximum capacity. For example older air conditioning systems that have an SEER of 13 usually are operating closer to an SEER rating of 8 due to the wear and tear of time.
A higher energy rating can help you save significant amounts of money in the course of a single year. For instance, if replace your 10-SEER unit with one that has 14 SEER ratings you could save about $908 of electricity per year.
Energy-efficient units also operate quietly, which is another benefit for homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure quiet, comfortable operation.
While price will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, you must be aware that you’ll be spending far more than just the initial cost of purchasing your new unit over the course of its life. A more expensive unit that is efficient enough to be able to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure that you choose the best unit for both your budget and your home. We can help you find an air conditioner that is suitable for your requirements. Schedule an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your residence for over a decade, which is why it’s important to select one that performs at the highest performance and efficiency throughout its lifetime. A reliable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC you invest in is the perfect fit for your home and that you’ll get the most efficient performance from it. This will help you reduce the energy bills over time.
It is important to evaluate air conditioner models and check whether there are extra features that you may like or require. For instance, certain ACs use advanced technology that makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is a desirable feature for homeowners who live in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or anyone looking to cut down on their energy costs.
Other elements that could affect your new air conditioner cost include rebates and financing options. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to encourage consumers to buy a specific item. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning firm if they have special discounts or offers.
The warranty will also play an important role in determining the cost of your new air conditioner. Extended warranties cover the unit for longer durations than the standard manufacturer warranty. Extended warranties may appear expensive, but you’ll feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be protected for a longer period of time.
The cost of installation will be included in the price for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire a certified, professional technician to perform the installation, as doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Contact your trusted HVAC company about financing options in case you don’t have the funds to cover the installation up front. Most HVAC firms offer financing through trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are rising, it’s time to think about replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners are energy efficient and have other advantages.
The first step in finding out how much an AC system will cost is to obtain estimates from HVAC contractors. The quotes should include the price of the air conditioner as well as the installation costs for a total cost. The cost of an air conditioner is contingent on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency and features. It is also necessary to decide if you’d like a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have a variety of power settings that can alter the energy consumption and performance depending on the cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than a standard AC with a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the amount of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A unit that is too small will not be able to satisfy your home’s cooling requirements and an air unit that is too big will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to consider after you have decided on the size. SEER ratings indicate how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills if you choose an air conditioner that has an SEER that is high. You can also save money on initial costs by using rebates offered by mfgs and utilities companies in your area.
If you need an air conditioner replacement, it’s important to work with an experienced contractor for the installation. They will make sure the air conditioner is sized for your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure that it operates as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there for you in the event of there are any issues with your new air conditioner. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.
