Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts strive to not focus too much on the price of new air cooling units. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings alone.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some things to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is one of the biggest factors that determine the price of your new air conditioner. The larger your home, the more powerful unit (and costlier) you will need to cool it properly. The smallest units are around a ton-and-a-half in size, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units may be 6 tons of size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will depend on the layout of your house as well as the number of rooms and doors, the type of insulation and more. A professional can carry out a heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will help you determine the exact size of unit you require. The calculation will consider the size of your house, the number of windows and doors in addition to the amount and duration of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and many more.
You will also need to consider whether you want one or multi-stage systems that will affect the total cost. Single-stage models are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, however they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
Additionally it is crucial to have your ductwork tested prior to installing an air conditioner in order to ensure that it is properly measured. A damaged duct system could result in poor indoor air quality, high use of energy and a variety of other issues.
Over time, the incorrect size AC unit will also lead to higher repair costs. The larger units will require more effort and take longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear out faster and require more frequent maintenance. A small unit however, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t have the ability to cool your home effectively on hot days. You may have a useless unit. This can be frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is an important factor because you’ll be able to lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity required to complete a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you determine the efficiency of your appliance. It is important to keep in mind that the size of your house and the fluctuations in temperature will affect the efficiency of your appliance, so it’s not necessarily directly a reflection of the appliance’s performance.
It’s likely that newer units have higher SEER than older ones however, it’s important to note that even the highest-rated units aren’t operating at maximum capacity. Due to age and wear, older air conditioners with a SEER rating of 13 are likely to be operating closer to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy efficiency rating can save you a significant amount of money over the time of the year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER with a model that has a rating of 14 SEER that will save you $908 in electricity each year.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest design and compressor technology to ensure comfortable, soundless operation.
While price is sure to influence your decision-making process, you must be aware that you’ll be spending far more than just the initial cost of your new unit over its lifetime. A unit that is expensive but is efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a professional such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to make sure you pick the best model for your budget and your home. We can match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your needs. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
It is essential to select an air conditioner that can perform at its peak for the entire life of the unit. A good HVAC contractor will make sure the new AC you purchase is the right one to your home and you’ll get the most efficient performance from it, which will help you reduce the energy bills over time.
When comparing AC models it’s a good idea to consider if they offer additional features you may like or require. Some ACs like the ones listed above employ advanced technology to create quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a feature that those who live in noisy urban areas or who want to reduce their energy consumption will appreciate.
Other factors that can affect the price of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to encourage consumers to purchase a specific product. If you are interested in a specific brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other offers that could be available.
The warranty is an important factor in determining the new air conditioner’s price. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer periods of time than the standard manufacturer warranty. The purchase of an extended warranty might appear expensive at first, but it will help ensure you have peace of mind knowing that your new air conditioner is covered for the long term.
The total air conditioner cost will also include the cost of installation. It’s important to hire a qualified, professional technician to perform the installation, as doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Consult your reliable heating and air conditioning company about financing options for those who don’t have enough funds to cover the installation up front. Most of the top HVAC companies offer financing through trusted institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners are more efficient in energy use and offer other benefits.
To find out the cost of an AC system will cost, first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. The estimates should include the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation costs to determine the total cost. The price of the air conditioner will depend on factors like capacity as well as energy efficiency and other features. Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you want a variable-speed or single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings that allow you to alter energy consumption and performance according to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with one speed blower.
Your comfort expert can help you determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A unit that is too small will not be able to provide the cooling requirements of your home while an air conditioner that is too large will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to think about after you’ve selected the size. SEER ratings show how efficient an AC unit is. The more efficient the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Choosing an air conditioner with a high SEER rating will save you on utility bills over time. You can also save the initial cost by taking full benefit of rebates that are offered by both utilities and manufacturers companies in the region.
It is crucial to employ an a professional contractor who is experienced in installing your new air conditioner. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and is installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. They’ll also assist you if your air conditioner is experiencing issues. If you’re ready to begin saving money on energy bills and enjoy the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioner, get in touch with us today!