Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts try to avoid focusing too much on the expense of new air conditioning units. We know that a new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings by itself.
The amount your new AC costs will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some factors to consider:
Size of Your Home
The size of your house is one of the most important factors that determine the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The larger your home, the more powerful unit (and more expensive) you’ll require to properly cool it. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will differ based on the layout of your home, the number of doors and rooms as well as the type of insulation, and more. The best way to determine the exact size of unit you require is to have an expert conduct a heat load calculation referred to as the Manual J. The calculation considers the size of your house, the number of windows and doors in addition to the amount and duration of sunlight, the height of the ceilings, and more.
You’ll also need to determine if you want a single-stage or multi-stage system. This could affect the price. Single-stage models are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, but they offer different levels in efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also influence the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
Additionally it is crucial to have your ductwork tested prior to putting in an air conditioner to ensure that it is correctly sized. A faulty duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, high energy use and a host of other issues.
Over time, the improper size AC unit will also lead to greater repair costs. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, causing them to wear out faster and require more frequent repairs. A small unit however, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your home on scorching days. You could end having a unit that isn’t working 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 important because it will allow you to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity needed to complete a specific task, which is measured in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your unit. The size of your house and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily an indicator of the unit itself.
It’s likely that newer units have higher SEER than older ones However, it’s important to remember that even the highest-rated units aren’t operating at their maximum capacity. Due to wear and age older air conditioners with 13 SEER ratings are likely to operate closer to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy efficiency rating could save you a substantial amount of money over the course of a year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER with a model that has a 14 SEER rating that will save you $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure comfortable, soundless operation.
Price is definitely a factor in your choice, but you should also keep in mind that the cost of the new model will likely be higher than the initial cost of purchase throughout its lifetime. A unit that’s expensive but effective enough to pay off over time is an excellent investment for your family. Consult a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure you select the right unit that fits your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that suits your requirements. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your residence for a long time, which is why it’s so important to select one that performs at the highest capacity and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reputable HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you buy is a good choice for your home and will give you the best performance. This will reduce your energy costs.
When comparing AC models it is a good idea to consider if they offer additional features you might like or require. For instance, some ACs use advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than others. This is a nice feature for homeowners living in urban areas with lots of noise pollution, or for anyone who is looking to reduce their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options could impact the cost of your new air conditioner. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to purchase the product they are interested in. If you are interested in a specific brand, inquire with your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty is an important factor in determining your new air conditioner cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the equipment for a set period of time, whereas extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer duration. Extended warranties may appear expensive, but you’ll have peace of mind that your new air conditioner will be protected for a long time.
Your total new air conditioner cost will also include the price of installation. You should employ an expert technician to install your air conditioner. If you do it yourself, or hiring a contractor who is not licensed may void your warranty and damage your brand new unit. If you don’t have enough funds saved to cover the installation upfront, talk to your trusted heating and cooling provider about financing programs. Most top HVAC companies offer financing through trusted institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit If your energy costs have been increasing. Newer air conditioners are more efficient in energy use and offer additional benefits.
To determine the cost of an AC system will cost, first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should include the cost of the AC as well as installation cost for a total project. The price of an air conditioner will depend on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency and 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 to adjust energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. 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 right size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A smaller air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your home, while a large air conditioner is a waste of energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next thing to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings indicate how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Selecting an air conditioner with a high SEER rating can reduce your utility costs over time. You can also save on initial costs by taking advantage of rebates from mfgs and utility companies in your area.
It’s important that you hire a professional contractor who is experienced in installing your new air conditioner. They will make sure the air conditioner is sized for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly to ensure that it runs as efficiently as it can. They’ll also help you if your air conditioner experiences any issues. Contact us today if are looking to cut down on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.