Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts try to avoid focusing too much on the price of new air conditioners. We know that a brand 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 some things to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is among the most important factors that determine the price of a new air conditioner. The bigger your house, the more powerful (and costly) unit you’ll require to cool it properly. The smallest units can begin at a ton and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour. The most powerful could be 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will vary depending on the layout of your home and the number of rooms and doors, the type of insulation, and more. A professional can conduct the heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size unit you require. The calculation takes into account the size of your home, the number of doors and windows, the amount and duration of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and more.
You will also need to decide if you want one or multi-stage systems that will affect the total cost. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage ones, however they will have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
Additionally, it is important to have your ductwork tested prior to installing an air conditioner to ensure that it is correctly sized. A damaged ductwork system could lead to poor indoor air quality and high energy consumption, as well as other issues.
Over time, the improper size AC unit can lead to more expensive repair costs. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, causing them to wear down faster and need more frequent repairs. A smaller unit however, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t have the ability to effectively cool your home on scorching days. You could end with a system that isn’t working in any way. This can be extremely frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is crucial because you can reduce your cooling costs by a significant amount.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of power required to complete the task at hand, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can help you determine how efficient your unit is. The size of your house and the temperature fluctuations will affect the rating of the appliance. It’s not always a reflection of the appliance itself.
Even though you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher however, they’re not always operating at maximum capacity. For example, older air conditioning systems with a SEER of 13 typically end up operating more or less at an SEER rating of 8 due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can save huge amounts of money over one year. For example, if you replace your 10-SEER unit with an 14-SEER model and you save $908 of electricity per year.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate advanced compressor technology and blade designs to provide a comfortable, noiseless operation.
Price will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process however, you must be aware that the price of the new model will likely exceed the initial cost of purchase over the course of its lifespan. A model that is costly but is efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a good investment for your family. Speak with a reputable professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best unit for your budget and home. We can match you with an air conditioner that meets your needs. Schedule an appointment now!
The Right to Rent
It is important to choose an air conditioner that can perform at its best for the entire lifespan of the unit. A good HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you buy is the best one for your home, and will give you the highest performance. This will lower your energy costs.
When you’re comparing models for air conditioners it is a good idea to consider whether they come with additional features you may want or need. Some ACs like the ones listed above employ advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than others. This is a desirable feature for homeowners who live in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or for anyone who is looking to reduce their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options can also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to encourage customers to purchase a particular product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning firm if they have special offers or discounts.
The warranty also plays an important role in determining the price of your new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a set period of time, while extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer duration. Getting an extended warranty may appear expensive at first, but it will help ensure that you’re secure knowing that your new AC is covered for the long term.
The cost of installation is included in the price for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire a qualified, professional technician to perform the installation in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could void 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 money to pay for installation upfront. Most HVAC companies provide financing through reliable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s time to think about replacing it with a newer model. New air conditioners consume less energy and offer numerous other benefits.
The first step to find out how much a new AC system will cost is to obtain estimates from HVAC contractors. The quotes should contain the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation costs for a total project cost. The price of the air conditioner will depend on factors like capacity as well as energy efficiency and other features. You will also need to decide if you’d like a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have multiple power settings that allow you to alter energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than a standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the right size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it needs to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your house while a huge air conditioner will use up energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to consider after you have decided on the size. SEER ratings show how efficient an air conditioner is. The SEER rating indicates how efficient an air conditioner is.
You will save money on your utility bills if opt for an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also cut down on upfront costs by taking full advantage of rebates that are offered by both utilities and manufacturers companies in the region.
It is essential to hire an a professional contractor who is experienced in installing your new air conditioner. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is appropriate to your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure it operates as efficiently as it can. They’ll also assist you if your air conditioner experiences any issues. So, if you’re eager to start saving on your energy bills and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with an efficient air conditioner, contact us today!