Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals, we try not to focus too much on cost when it comes to new air cooling units. We are aware that a new AC unit will save you money over time in energy savings by itself.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is one of the most important factors that determine the price of a new air conditioner. The larger your house is, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll need to cool it effectively. The smallest units are about a ton-and-a-half in size, 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 need will depend on the layout of your home, the number of doors and rooms and the type of insulation and more. A professional can perform a heat-load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size of unit you require. The calculation considers the square footage of your home in addition to the number of doors and windows and the amount of sun it receives throughout the day and the ceiling’s height, and much more.
You should also consider whether you want a single or multi-stage setup which will impact the overall price. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage ones, however they will have different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
It is also important to test the ductwork prior installing a new HVAC system to ensure that the dimension is correct. A damaged duct system could result in poor indoor air quality, excessive energy use and a host of other issues.
A wrong size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs over time. A large unit will overload and make it harder to keep your house cool, which will cause it to wear out faster and will require repairs more often. A smaller unit on the other hand will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t have the ability to effectively cool your home during hot days. You could end with a system that doesn’t work in any way. This can be frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the efficiency rating for energy, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is an important factor because you’ll be able to lower your cooling expenses significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity it takes to perform an exact task, which is measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your home and temperature fluctuations can influence the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily an indication of the unit itself.
While you’ll see that the latest models are more rated, they don’t always operate at their full capacity. Due to age and wear older air conditioners with 13 SEER ratings are likely to operate more closely to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher efficiency rating can save you a significant amount of money over the time of the year. If you replace your 10-SEER with a model that has a 14 SEER rating, you can save $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances is also a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest compressors and fan designs to ensure peaceful, silent operation.
Price is definitely an important factor in your decision however, you must keep in mind that the price of your new device will likely be higher than the initial price of purchase over its lifetime. A more expensive unit that’s efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a professional such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure you select the right unit for both your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that suits your needs. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your home for a long time and that’s why it’s crucial to select one that operates at its maximum capacity and efficiency throughout its life. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is the right fit for your home, and will provide you with the most efficient performance. This will lower your energy costs.
It’s important to compare AC models and determine if there are any extra features that you may like or require. For instance, some ACs have advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is an advantage that those 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 can impact the cost of your new air conditioner. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to encourage buyers to purchase a specific product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company if they have any special offers or discounts.
The warranty is an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner’s cost. Extended warranties cover the unit for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. Extended warranties may appear expensive, but you will feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be protected for a longer period of time.
Your total new air conditioner price will include the cost of installation. It is crucial to hire a certified, professional technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or using an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options for those who don’t have enough funds to cover the installation up front. Most of the top HVAC companies offer financing through reputable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit If your energy costs have been rising. Newer air conditioners use less energy and come with a variety of other benefits.
The first step to finding out the price an AC system will cost is to get quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain the cost of the AC as well as the installation cost for a total project. The cost of an air conditioner depends on the capacity, energy efficiency and features. You will also need to decide if you want a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that alter energy usage and performance according to cooling needs. The cost of a variable speed AC will be more expensive than a conventional air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the size of air conditioner that is appropriate for your home. They will estimate the number of British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A unit 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 consume energy and money.
Once you’ve determined the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an AC unit is. The SEER rating indicates how efficient an air conditioner is.
You can save money on your utility bills when you select an air conditioner with high SEER. You can also save upfront costs by taking benefit of rebates provided by both utility and manufacturer companies in the area.
It’s important that you hire skilled contractors to install your new air conditioner. They’ll make sure that your air conditioner is properly sized for your home and ensure that it is properly installed to ensure it runs as efficiently as it can. They’ll also assist you in the event that your air conditioner is experiencing issues. So, if you’re eager to save money on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, call us today!