Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals, we try not to concentrate too much on the cost when it comes time to purchase new air conditioners. We know that you will save money in the long run by putting in a new AC.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some things to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is among the most important factors determining the price of a new air conditioner. The larger your home is, the more powerful (and costlier) you’ll require to properly cool it. The smallest units are around one ton and a half or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need depends on the layout of your house as well as the number of rooms and doors and the quality and type of insulation, and many more. A professional can carry out the heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will help you determine the exact size unit that you require. The calculation takes into account the size of your home, the number of windows and doors as well as the duration and amount of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and much more.
You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer a single-stage or multi-stage system. This can affect the price. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, but they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment will affect the overall cost, as variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than traditional single-speed machines.
It is also important to test your ductwork prior to installing a new AC to ensure that the size is correct. A defective ductwork system could cause poor indoor air quality as well as excessive energy consumption, among other issues.
Over time, the wrong size AC unit can also cause greater repair costs. The larger units will require more effort and take longer to cool your home, causing them to wear out faster and require more frequent maintenance. 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 end up with an unusable unit. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect because you’ll be able to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity required to complete the task at hand, 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 the temperature fluctuations will affect the rating of the appliance. It’s not always an indicator of the unit itself.
It’s likely that newer units have a higher SEER than older models however, it’s important to note that even the most highly-rated units aren’t operating at maximum capacity. Because of wear and age, older air conditioners with 13 SEER ratings will likely to operate closer to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save you significant amounts of money in a single year. If you replace your 10-SEER with a model with a 14 SEER rating, you can save $908 in electricity each year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient units can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate advanced compressor technology and blade designs that ensure a quiet, comfortable operation.
While price is sure to play a role in your decision-making process, you must be aware that you’ll be spending far more than the initial cost of purchasing your new unit throughout its life. A unit that is expensive but efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a trusted professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best model for your budget and your home. We’ll be able match you with the perfect air conditioner to suit your requirements. Make an appointment today!
The Right to Rent
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your residence for more than a decade and that’s why it’s crucial to select one that performs at the highest capacity and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good choice for your home and will give you the best performance. This will lower your energy consumption.
When comparing air conditioner models it is an excellent idea to look at whether they have additional features that you might want or need. Certain ACs like the ones listed above use advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than others. This is a desirable option for homeowners in urban areas with lots of noise pollution, or for anyone who is looking to reduce their energy consumption.
Other factors that can impact the price of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. A lot of dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and encourage them to purchase the product they are interested in. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company if they offer any special deals or discounts.
The warranty is an important aspect 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 period of time.
The total air conditioner price will include the cost of installation. It’s important to hire a qualified, professional technician to complete the installation, as doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Contact your trusted HVAC company about financing options in case you don’t have the money to pay for installation up front. Most HVAC companies offer financing via trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been rising. New air conditioners use less energy and provide many other advantages.
The first step in finding out the cost of an AC system will cost is to get estimates from HVAC contractors. The estimates should include the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation costs for a total project cost. The price of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors such as capacity energy efficiency, capacity, and other features. Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you prefer a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that alter efficiency and energy consumption according to cooling needs. The price of a variable-speed AC will be more expensive than a standard air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it needs to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able to meet the cooling needs of your house, while a large air conditioner will waste energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next factor to consider is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
Selecting an air conditioner with a high SEER rating can save you on utility bills over time. You can also cut down on initial costs by availing rebates from manufacturers and utilities companies in your area.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner that is new it is essential to work with an experienced contractor to install. They’ll ensure that the air conditioner is sized for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly to ensure it runs at its best. Additionally, they’ll be there for you in the event of any issues arise with your new air conditioner. If you’re ready to start saving on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with an efficient air conditioner, call us today!
