Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC professionals try to avoid focusing too much on the cost of new air conditioners. We know that a new AC unit can save you money over time in energy savings alone.
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 home is one of the biggest factors that determine the price of your new air conditioner. The bigger your house the more powerful (and more expensive) unit you will need to cool it effectively. The smallest units can be around one-and-a-half tons, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require is contingent on the layout of your house as well as the number of doors and rooms, the type and quality of insulation, and much more. A professional can perform a heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size of unit you need. The calculation considers the size of your house, the number of windows and doors, the amount and duration of sunlight and the height of the ceilings, and many more.
You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer one-stage or multi-stage systems. This could have an impact on the cost. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage models, however they offer different levels in efficiency. The type of equipment you choose to use will also affect the overall cost, as variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than standard single-speed machines.
Additionally 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 cause poor indoor air quality and excessive energy consumption, among other issues.
Over time, the wrong size AC unit can result in greater repair costs. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling demands and won’t be able effectively cool your home during scorching hot days. You may even end up with a unit that isn’t working at all. This can be frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the efficiency rating for energy, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect because you’ll be able to lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity needed to accomplish a particular task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you determine the efficiency of your appliance. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s efficiency rating and is not a direct reflection of the appliance itself.
It’s likely that newer units have 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. For example, older air conditioning systems with a SEER of 13 typically end up operating close to an SEER rating of 8 due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher efficiency rating can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year. For instance, if you replace your 10-SEER unit with an 14-SEER model, you could save around $908 in electricity costs per year.
Energy-efficient units can also be operated quietly, which is an additional advantage for homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure comfortable, soundless operation.
While price will certainly influence your decision-making process, you must keep in mind that you’ll be spending far more than the initial purchase cost of your new unit over the course of its life. A unit that’s expensive but effective enough to pay off over time is a good investment for your family. Talk to a trusted expert like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best unit for your budget and your home. We’ll provide you with the best air conditioner to meet your needs. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your home for more than a decade, which is why it’s so important to select one that will function at peak performance and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reliable HVAC contractor will make sure the new AC you invest in is the right one to your home and you’ll get the best possible performance from it. This will help you cut down on the cost of energy over time.
When comparing AC models it’s recommended to take into consideration whether they come with additional features you might like or require. Certain ACs are, for instance, employ advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a desirable feature for homeowners living in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or anyone looking to cut down on their energy bills.
Rebates and financing options could affect the price of your new air conditioner. Numerous manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to purchase an item. If you’re interested in a particular brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty can also play a role in determining the cost of your new air conditioner. Extended warranties cover the unit for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. Extended warranties may appear expensive, but you will be assured that your new air conditioner will be covered for a long time.
Your total new air conditioner costs will include the cost of installation. You should hire an expert technician to install your air conditioner. Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor who isn’t licensed could invalidate your warranty and damage your new unit. Ask your trusted HVAC company about financing options if you don’t have the funds to cover the installation upfront. The majority of HVAC firms offer financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy bills are increasing, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more modern model. New air conditioners consume less energy and come with a variety of other benefits.
To determine the price an AC system will cost, first get quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should include the price of the air conditioner and the installation costs for a total project cost. The price of the air conditioner will depend on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency, and features. In addition, you will need to decide whether you require a variable-speed or a single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs come with a variety of power settings that allow you to alter energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling requirements. The cost of a variable-speed AC will also be higher than a standard air conditioner with a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the size of air conditioner that’s right for your home. They will calculate how many British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A smaller air conditioner will not be able meet your home’s cooling requirements while a huge air conditioner will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to consider after you have selected the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an AC unit is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Choosing an air conditioner with a high SEER rating can reduce your utility costs over time. You can also cut down on upfront costs by using rebates offered by the mfgs and utilities companies in your region.
If you need an air conditioner replacement, it’s important to hire a professional contractor for the installation. They’ll make sure that your air conditioner is appropriate for your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible. They’ll also assist you in the event that your air conditioner is experiencing problems. Contact us today if want to save money on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.