Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts try to avoid focusing too much on the cost of new air cooling units. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings by itself.
The amount your new AC costs depends on a variety of variables. Here are a few things to think about:
The size of Your Home
The size of your home is one of the most important factors that determine the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The larger your home is, the more powerful (and more expensive) you will need to cool it properly. The smallest units are around one ton and a half, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will depend on the layout of your house, the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and more. The best method to figure out exactly what size of unit you require is to have an expert conduct a heat load calculation referred to as the Manual J. The calculation takes into account the size of your house, the number of doors and windows, the amount and duration of sunlight and the height of the ceilings, and more.
You’ll also have to decide whether you prefer a single-stage or multi-stage system. This can have an impact on the cost. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage models, however they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment will affect the overall cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than traditional single-speed machines.
In addition it is essential to test your ductwork prior to the installation of an air conditioner in order to ensure that it is properly sized. A faulty ductwork system can lead to poor indoor air quality as well as excessive energy consumption, as well as other issues.
A wrong size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs over time. An over-sized unit will strain and work harder to keep your house cool, which can cause it to wear down faster and will require repairs more often. A smaller unit however will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t be able to cool your home effectively on scorching days. You may even end with a system that doesn’t function in any way. This could be extremely expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is crucial because you can reduce your cooling expenses by a significant amount.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of power 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 unit. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the efficiency rating of the appliance but it’s not always an exact reflection of the system itself.
You’ll notice that the latest units have a higher SEER than older ones however, it’s important to note that even the most highly-rated units aren’t operating at their maximum capacity. Due to wear and age older air conditioners that have a SEER rating of 13 will likely to operate closer to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save substantial amounts of money in a single year. For instance, if upgrade your 10-SEER model to one that has 14 SEER ratings and you save $908 in electricity costs per year.
Energy-efficient units also run quietly, which is an additional advantage for homeowners. The quietest models are equipped with innovative compressor technology and fan blade designs to provide a quiet, comfortable operation.
Price is definitely an element in your decision-making process, but you should also be aware that the cost of your new unit will likely surpass the initial cost of purchase over the course of its lifetime. A model that is costly but effective enough to pay off over time is a good investment for your family. Consult a reputable expert such as our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you choose the right model for your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your requirements. Schedule an appointment now!
The Right to Rent
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your home for over a decade this is why it’s important to choose a model that will function at peak performance and efficiency throughout its life. A good HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you buy is the right one for your home, and will provide you with the most efficient performance. This will lower your energy consumption.
When you’re comparing models for air conditioners it’s an excellent idea to look at whether they come with additional features you may like or require. For example, some ACs use advanced technology that makes them more quiet and efficient than others. This is a benefit that those who reside in urban areas with a lot of noise or who are looking to cut their energy consumption will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options may impact the cost of your new air conditioner. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to attract buyers and convince them to buy the product they are interested in. Ask your trusted heating and cooling company if they have any special discounts or offers.
The warranty is also an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner’s cost. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer periods of time than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you will be assured that your new air conditioner will be protected for a longer period of time.
The cost of installation is included in the price for a new air conditioner. It is essential to employ an experienced, certified technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or employing an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company about financing options in case you don’t have the funds to pay for installation up front. Most HVAC companies offer financing via trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is aging and your energy bills are increasing, it’s the right time to consider replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners use less energy and provide a variety of other benefits.
The first step in finding out the price an AC system will cost is to obtain quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the cost of the AC and the installation cost for a complete project. The price of the air conditioner will depend on factors like capacity energy efficiency, capacity, and other features. In addition, you will need to decide if want a variable-speed or single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs come with a variety of power settings that can be adjusted to control energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling requirements. The cost of a variable-speed AC will also be higher than an air conditioner with a single-speed blower.
Your comfort expert can help you determine the size of the air conditioner that is right for your home. They will estimate how many 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 while an air cooling system that is too big will waste energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to consider is the SEER rating. SEER ratings show how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
Selecting an air conditioner that has an SEER rating that is high will reduce your utility costs over time. You can also save the initial cost by taking full advantage of rebates that are offered by both utilities and manufacturers companies in the area.
If you are in need of an air conditioner replacement it is essential to hire a professional contractor to install. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is correctly sized for your home and is installed properly to ensure that it is running as efficiently as it can. Additionally, they’ll be there for you if there are any issues with your new air cooling system. So, if you’re ready to start saving on your energy bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, get in touch with us today!
