Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts, we try not to focus too much on cost when it comes time to purchase new air cooling units. We know that a brand new AC unit will save you money over time through energy savings alone.
The cost of your new AC depends on several factors. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is one of the main factors that influences the price of your new air conditioner. The larger your house is, the more powerful (and costly) unit you’ll need to cool it effectively. The smallest units are about one ton and a half or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will differ based on the layout of your house, the number of rooms and doors and the type of insulation you choose and more. The best way to determine the exact size of unit you require is to have professionals perform a heat load calculation known as Manual J. Manual J. The calculation takes into account the area of your home in addition to the number of windows and doors, the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height and more.
You’ll also want to determine if you want one-stage or multi-stage systems. This could affect the cost. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage models, however they offer different levels in efficiency. The type of equipment used will also affect the overall cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than conventional single-speed machines.
In addition it is essential to have your ductwork tested prior to putting in a new air conditioner to ensure that it is properly size. A damaged ductwork system could result in poor indoor air quality as well as excessive energy consumption, as well as other problems.
A faulty size AC unit can cause higher repair costs over time. An oversized unit will overwork and make it harder to keep your home cool, which causes it to wear down more quickly and will require repairs more often. In contrast, a small unit will struggle to meet your cooling needs and won’t be able effectively cool your home on scorching hot days. You may even end with a system that doesn’t work at all. This can be 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 costs by an impressive amount.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity required to complete an exact task, which is measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will assist you in determining how efficient your appliance is. It’s important to note that the size of your house and the fluctuations in temperature can affect the appliance’s efficiency rating and is not a direct reflection of the appliance’s performance.
Even though you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher however, they’re not always operating at their full 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 energy rating can save you significant amounts of money in the course of a single year. For example, if you upgrade your 10-SEER model to a 14-SEER model and you save $908 in electricity costs per year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models use innovative compressors and fan designs to ensure peaceful, silent operation.
Price is certainly an important factor in your choice, but you should also be aware that the cost of your new unit will likely surpass the initial price of purchase over the course of its life. A more expensive unit that is efficient enough to last for years is a wise investment for your family. Speak to a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to make sure you pick the best unit that fits your budget and your home. We’ll be able to match you with the perfect air conditioner to suit your needs. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your residence for over a decade and that’s why it’s important to choose a model that will function at peak capacity and efficiency throughout its life. A good HVAC contractor can make sure that the new AC you purchase is the right choice for your home and will provide you with the most efficient performance. This will lower your energy costs.
When comparing AC models it is recommended to take into consideration if they offer additional features that you might like or require. Some ACs are, for instance, employ advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than other models. This is an advantage that homeowners who reside in noisy urban areas or who want to reduce their energy costs will appreciate.
Other factors that can affect your new air conditioner cost include rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to purchase a specific product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning firm if they have special discounts or offers.
The warranty is an important factor in determining your new air conditioner’s cost. Extended warranties protect the equipment for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you’ll be assured that your new air conditioner will be protected for a long time.
Your total new air conditioner price will include the price of installation. You should employ an experienced technician to install your air conditioner. Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor who is not licensed may void your warranty and cause damage to your new unit. If you don’t have enough funds saved to cover the installation upfront, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling provider about financing options. 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 come with many other advantages.
The first step in finding out how much an AC system will cost is to request 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 depends on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you require a variable-speed or a single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs come with a variety of power settings to adjust the energy consumption and performance according to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert will help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it needs to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able to meet your home’s cooling requirements, while a large air conditioner is a waste of energy and money.
Once you’ve determined the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to be aware of is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an AC unit is. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills if opt for an air conditioner that has high SEER. You can also save on initial costs by taking advantage of rebates from manufacturers and utilities companies in your region.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement it is essential to work with an experienced contractor to install it. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and is installed properly to ensure that it is running as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there to assist you if your air conditioner experiences any problems. Contact us today if you want to save money on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.