Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts strive to not focus too much on the price of new air conditioners. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time through energy savings alone.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some things to consider:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is one of the most important factors determining the price of a new air conditioner. The bigger your house, the more powerful unit (and costlier) you’ll require to cool it properly. The smallest units are around one ton and a half, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be 6 tons of size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require will depend on the layout of your home and the number of doors and rooms and the quality and type of insulation, and more. A professional can conduct a heat load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will assist you in determining the exact size unit that you require. The calculation considers your home’s square footage, number of doors and windows and the amount of sun it gets throughout the day, the ceiling’s height, and more.
You’ll also have to determine if you want a single-stage or multi-stage system. This can have an impact on the price. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, however they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment will also affect the overall cost, since variable speed machines tend to be more expensive than standard single-speed machines.
In addition it is essential to test your ductwork prior to installing an air conditioner to ensure that it is properly measured. A faulty duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, high energy use and a host of other problems.
A faulty size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs over time. An oversized unit will overwork and make it harder to keep your home cool, which can cause it to wear out faster and will require repairs more frequently. A small unit however will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your home during hot days. You could end with a system that doesn’t function in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating higher, the more efficient is the new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect since you’ll be able lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity needed to accomplish a particular task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your unit. The size of your house and temperature fluctuations will affect the rating of the appliance. It’s not always an indication of the unit itself.
Although you’ll notice that the latest models are more rated but they’re not always operating at their maximum capacity. For example older air conditioning systems that have 13 SEER typically are operating close to an 8 SEER rating due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can save significant amounts of money in the course of a single year. For instance, if replace your 10-SEER unit with a 14-SEER model, you could save around $908 in electricity costs per year.
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 ensure a peaceful, quiet operation.
Price is definitely a factor in your decision but you must keep in mind that the cost of your new unit will likely surpass its initial purchase price throughout its life. A unit that is expensive but efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a trusted expert like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best model for your budget and home. We can match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your requirements. Book an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your residence for a long time this is why it’s crucial to choose one that will function at peak capacity and efficiency throughout its life. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you buy is a good one for your home, and will give you the best performance. This will lower your energy consumption.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and check whether there are additional features that you might want or need. Certain ACs, for example, utilize advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than others. This is a desirable feature for homeowners living in urban areas with lots of noise pollution, or for anyone looking to cut down on their energy costs.
Rebates and financing options can also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. Many manufacturers and dealers provide incentives to encourage consumers to purchase a particular product. If you are interested in a specific brand, talk to your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty is also an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a set period of time, whereas extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer duration. A warranty extended may seem expensive initially, but it will help to ensure you have peace of mind knowing your new air conditioner is protected for the long term.
The cost of installation is included in the total price for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It is recommended to hire an experienced technician to install your air conditioner. If you do it yourself, or hiring a contractor that is not licensed could void your warranty and cause damage to your new unit. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options for those who don’t have enough money to pay for installation up front. The majority of HVAC companies offer financing via reliable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is aging and your energy bills are increasing, it’s the right time to replace it with a newer model. New air conditioners use less energy and come with many other advantages.
To figure out the cost of an AC system will cost, first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the price of the AC as well as installation cost for a total project. The cost of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and other features. You will also need to decide if you’d like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs come with a variety of power settings to adjust energy consumption and performance according to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than a standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort consultant will help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the amount of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it needs to cool. A cooling system that is too small will not be able to meet your home’s cooling needs and an air cooling system that is too big will consume energy and money.
Once you’ve determined the size of your air conditioner, the next factor to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings show how efficient an air conditioner is. The SEER rating reflects how efficient an air conditioner is.
Selecting an air conditioner that has a high SEER rating will save you on utility bills over time. You can also cut down on upfront costs by taking benefit of rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in the area.
If you need an air conditioner that is new it is important to choose a reputable contractor to install it. They’ll make sure that your air conditioner is properly designed for your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there to help you if your air conditioner has any issues. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy bills while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.
