Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts try to avoid focusing too much on the cost of new air conditioning units. We know that you will save money over the long term by putting in a new AC.
The cost of your new AC depends on several factors. Here are some things to think about:
Size of Your Home
The size of your house is one of the most important factors determining the price of a new air conditioner. The bigger your home the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll need to cool it properly. The smallest units are about one-and-a-half tons or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will vary depending on your home’s layout, the number of rooms and doors, the type of insulation, and more. A professional can conduct the heat-load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will assist you in determining the exact size unit that you need. The calculation will consider your home’s size, number of windows and doors, the amount and duration of sunlight, the height of the ceilings, and many more.
You will also need to decide if you want a single or multi-stage system that will affect the total cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, however they will have different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
It is also important to test your ductwork before installing a new AC to ensure that the size is right. A damaged duct system could result in poor indoor air quality, over energy use and a host of other problems.
A wrong size AC unit can result in higher repair costs over time. 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 smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your home during hot, humid days. You may even end with a system that isn’t working at all. This can be very frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is an important factor because you’ll be able to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity it takes to perform a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you determine the efficiency of your unit. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will influence the efficiency of your appliance and is not an exact reflection of the appliance itself.
While you’ll see that newer units are higher-rated but they’re not always operating at their full capacity. Due to age and wear older air conditioners with an SEER rating of 13 are likely to be operating closer to a SEER of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy efficiency rating could save you a substantial amount of money over the period of a year. For instance, if you replace your 10-SEER unit with one that has 14 SEER ratings and you save $908 in electricity costs per year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate innovative compressor technology and fan blade designs that provide quiet, comfortable operation.
Price will certainly be an element in your decision-making process, but you should also be aware that the price of the new model will likely exceed the initial cost of purchase throughout its life. A more expensive unit that’s efficient enough to be able to pay for itself over the years is a great investment for your family. Speak with a reputable expert like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best unit for your budget and home. We can help you find an air conditioner that is suitable for your requirements. Schedule an appointment today!
The Right to Rent
It is important to choose an air conditioner that can perform at its best for the duration of the unit. A reliable HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good fit for your home, and will give you the best performance. This will reduce your energy consumption.
It is essential to compare air conditioner models and see whether there are any additional features that you might like or require. Some ACs are, for instance, utilize advanced technology to create quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a nice feature for homeowners living in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or anyone who is looking to reduce their energy bills.
Other factors that can affect the cost of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to encourage customers to purchase a specific product. If you are interested in a specific brand, talk to your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other offers that could be available.
The warranty will also play a role in determining the cost of the new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a set period of time, while extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer period. A warranty extended may appear expensive at first however it will to ensure you are secure knowing your new air conditioner is protected 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, 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 funds saved to pay for the installation upfront, inquire with your reliable heating and cooling company about financing programs. Most HVAC companies provide financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy bills are increasing, it’s the right time to replace it with a more modern model. New air conditioners are more efficient in energy use and offer other advantages.
To figure out the cost of an AC system will cost, first get quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should include the price of the AC unit as well as the installation costs for a total project cost. The cost of an air conditioner will depend on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. It is also necessary to decide if you’d like an uni-speed or variable-speed conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that adjust the energy consumption and performance depending on the cooling requirements. The price of a variable-speed AC will be more expensive than a conventional air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert can help you determine the size of air conditioner that’s right for your home. They will estimate the number of British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A cooling system that is too small will not be able to provide the cooling requirements of your home and an air cooling system that is too big will consume energy and money.
Once you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to consider is the SEER rating. SEER ratings indicate how efficient the air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
Selecting an air conditioner with a high SEER rating will help you save on utility bills over time. You can also save money on initial costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in your region.
It’s important that you hire skilled contractors to install your new air conditioner. They’ll make sure that the air conditioner is correctly sized for your house and installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. Additionally, they’ll be there for you if any problems arise with your new air cooling system. So, if you’re ready to start saving on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, call us today!