Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC professionals strive to not focus too much on the cost of new air conditioning units. We know that a brand new AC unit will save you money over time through energy savings by itself.
The amount your new AC costs will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few points to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is one of the biggest factors that influences the price of your new air conditioner. The bigger your home the more powerful (and costly) unit you’ll need to cool it appropriately. The smallest units can start at a tonne and a half in size or 18,000 Btu per hour while the largest could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power that you need depends on the layout of your house, the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and more. A professional can carry out the heat-load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size unit that you need. The calculation will consider the size of your house, the number of doors and windows as well as the duration and amount of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and more.
You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer one-stage or multi-stage systems. This can affect the cost. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage models, but they offer different levels in efficiency. The kind of equipment you pick will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
In addition it is essential to have your ductwork tested prior to installing an air conditioner in order to ensure that it is correctly measured. A faulty duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, over energy consumption, and a myriad of other problems.
In time, a incorrect size AC unit can also lead to greater repair costs. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, leading them to wear out more quickly and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit, on the other hand will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t be able to effectively cool your home on scorching days. You may end up with a non-functional unit. This could be extremely frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is important because you can reduce your cooling expenses by significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity it takes to perform the task at hand, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your house and temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily an indicator of the unit 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 that have an SEER of 13 usually will operate close to an 8 SEER rating because of the wear and tear of time.
A higher efficiency rating will save you a significant amount of money over the time of the year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER with a model with a rating of 14 SEER and you save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest design and compressor technology to ensure a peaceful, silent operation.
Price is certainly an element in your choice but you must be aware that the cost of your new unit will likely surpass the initial price of purchase over the course of its lifespan. A more expensive model that’s efficient enough to last for years is a great 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 provide you with the best air conditioner to suit your requirements. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
It is essential to select an air conditioner that will perform at its best throughout the entire lifespan of the unit. A good HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good one for your home, and will provide you with the most efficient performance. This will help reduce your energy consumption.
When comparing AC models it’s recommended to take into consideration whether they come with additional features that you might want or need. Some ACs like the ones listed above use advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a feature that homeowners who reside in urban areas with a lot of noise or who wish to cut down on their energy consumption will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options may affect the price of your new air conditioner. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to encourage customers to purchase a specific product. Ask your reliable heating and air conditioning company if they offer any special discounts or offers.
The warranty can also play an important role in determining cost of the new air conditioner. Extended warranties protect the equipment for longer periods of time than the standard manufacturer warranty. An extended warranty might seem expensive, but you will feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be protected for a long time.
The cost of installation is included in the total cost for a new air conditioner. It is essential to employ a qualified, professional technician to perform the installation in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough money saved to pay for the installation upfront, talk to your reliable heating and cooling company about financing programs. Most of the top HVAC companies offer financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been rising. New air conditioners consume less energy and offer a variety of other benefits.
To figure out how much an AC system will cost, you should first get quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the cost of the AC as well as the installation cost for a total project. The cost of an air conditioner will depend on the capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You’ll also have to decide if you would like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that can alter energy usage and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than an ordinary AC with a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor will assist you in determining the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it needs to cool. A cooling system that is too small will be unable to provide the cooling requirements of your home while an air unit that is too big will use up energy and cost money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to think about after you’ve selected the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an AC unit is. The SEER rating is a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is.
You can save money on your utility bills when you select an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also save money on upfront costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in your region.
It is crucial to employ an an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They will ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and installed in a way that operates as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there to assist you if your air conditioner is experiencing issues. If you’re ready to save money on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, get in touch with us today!
