Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC professionals are careful not to focus too much on the price of new air cooling units. We are aware that a new AC unit will save you money over time, in energy savings alone.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few points to consider:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is among the most important factors that determines the cost of a new air conditioner. The larger your house, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you will need to cool it appropriately. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units may be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will vary depending on the layout of your house, the number of rooms and doors and the type of insulation and more. The best way to determine exactly what size unit you need is to have professionals perform a heat load calculation referred to as Manual J. Manual J. The calculation considers the square footage of your home in addition to the number of doors and windows as well as the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day, the ceiling’s height and much more.
You should also think about whether you would prefer a single or multi-stage system that will affect the total cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, but both will offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment will also impact the overall cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than conventional single-speed machines.
It is also crucial to test your ductwork before installing a new HVAC system to ensure that the dimension is correct. A damaged duct system could cause poor indoor air quality, over energy use and a host of other issues.
A faulty size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs over time. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, causing them to wear down faster and require more frequent repairs. A small unit, on the other hand, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t be able to cool your home effectively on scorching days. You may end up with a non-functional unit. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect because you’ll be able to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity it takes to perform a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can aid you in determining how efficient your unit is. It’s important to remember that the size of your house and the fluctuations in temperature will influence the efficiency of your appliance, so it’s not necessarily a direct reflection of the system itself.
You’ll likely notice that newer units have higher SEER than older ones, but it’s worth noting that even the highest-rated units aren’t operating at maximum capacity. Due to wear and age older air conditioners that have a SEER rating of 13 are likely to operate closer to a SEER of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save substantial amounts of money in one year. If you replace your 10-SEER with a model that has 14 SEER and you save $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models feature advanced compressor technology and blade designs that provide peaceful, quiet operation.
While price is sure to be a factor in your decision-making process, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll pay more than the initial purchase cost of your new unit over its lifetime. A unit that is expensive but effective enough to pay for itself over time is an excellent investment for your family. Talk to a trusted professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you choose the right unit for your budget and home. We’ll be able to match you with the perfect air conditioner to suit your requirements. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
It is crucial to select an air conditioner that will perform at its best throughout the entire life of the unit. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is the perfect fit for your home, and that you will get the highest possible performance from it, which will allow you to reduce the energy bills over time.
It is important to evaluate AC models and determine whether there are additional features you may like or require. For example, some ACs utilize advanced technology that makes them quieter and efficient than others. This is a feature that homeowners who live in noisy urban areas or who are looking to cut their energy costs will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options can impact the cost of your new air conditioner. A lot of dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to buy an item. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning firm if they have special discounts or offers.
The warranty is an important factor in determining the new air conditioner cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a set period of time, while extended warranties cover the unit for a longer duration. The purchase of an extended warranty might appear expensive initially, but it will help ensure you have peace of mind knowing your new air conditioner is covered for the longer term.
The cost of installation will be included in the price for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire an experienced, certified technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or using an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options in case you don’t have the funds to pay for installation up front. Most HVAC companies offer financing via trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been increasing. New air conditioners consume less energy and provide numerous other benefits.
The first step to find out how much an AC system will cost is to obtain estimates from HVAC contractors. Quotes should include both the cost of the AC as well as the installation costs for a comprehensive project. The price of an air conditioner depends on factors like capacity, energy efficiency and features. In addition, you will 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 can alter the energy consumption and performance depending on the cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert can assist you in determining the size of the air conditioner that is appropriate for your home. They will determine how many British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able meet your home’s cooling requirements while a huge air conditioner will waste energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next thing to be aware of is the SEER rating. SEER ratings indicate how efficient an AC unit is. The more efficient the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills if you choose an air conditioner with a high SEER. It is also possible to save on the initial cost by taking full benefit of rebates provided by both utility and manufacturer companies in the area.
It’s important that you hire skilled contractors to install your new air conditioner. They will make sure the air conditioner is designed for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly to ensure it functions at its best. They’ll also assist you if your air conditioner experiences any problems. Contact us today if want to save money on your energy bills while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.