Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts strive to not focus too much on the expense of new air conditioners. We know that a brand new AC unit will save you money over time through energy savings alone.
How much your new AC costs depends on a variety of variables. Here are a few points to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is one of the biggest factors that affects the cost of a new air conditioner. The larger your home, the more powerful unit (and more expensive) you’ll need to effectively cool it. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need will differ based on the layout of your house and the number of doors and rooms as well as the type of insulation and more. The best method to determine exactly what size unit you need is to have professionals perform a heat load calculation known as Manual J. Manual J. The calculation takes into account the square footage of your home in addition to the number of doors and windows as well as the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height and much more.
You’ll also need to decide if you would prefer a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This can affect the price. Single-stage units generally cost less than multi-stage units, however both will offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
In addition, it is important to have your ductwork tested prior to putting in a new air conditioner to ensure that it is properly sized. A damaged duct system could result in poor indoor air quality, high energy consumption, and a myriad of other issues.
A faulty size AC unit will also result in higher repair costs over time. Oversized units will work harder and take longer to cool your home, causing them to wear down faster and require more frequent repairs. A smaller unit however will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t have the ability to effectively cool your home during hot days. You could even have a useless unit. This could be extremely frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is important because you’ll be able to lower your cooling expenses significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity needed to perform a particular task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can help you determine the efficiency of your appliance. It’s important to note that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the efficiency rating of the appliance but it’s not always a direct reflection of the system itself.
While you’ll see that the newer models are rated higher however, they’re not always operating at their full capacity. For instance, older air conditioning systems with a SEER of 13 typically end up operating close to an 8 SEER rating because of age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can save huge amounts of money over the course of a single year. If you replace your 10-SEER model with a model with a rating of 14 SEER, you can save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
Energy-efficient units can also be operated quietly, which is a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest design and compressor technology to ensure a comfortable, soundless operation.
While price will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, you must keep in mind that you’ll be spending far more than the initial purchase cost of your new gadget over the course of its life. A unit that is expensive but efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a good investment for your family. Consult a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure that you choose the best model for your budget and your home. We’ll match you with the perfect air conditioner that meets your requirements. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your residence for more than a decade, which is why it’s crucial to choose a model that performs at the highest capacity and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is the best fit for your home, and will give you the best performance. This will help reduce the energy bills.
It is essential to compare air conditioner models and check whether there are any extra features that you may like or require. For example, some ACs use advanced technology that makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is an advantage that homeowners who reside in noisy urban areas or who are looking to cut their energy bills will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options could also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. Many manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to buy a specific product. If you’re interested in a certain brand, ask your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other promotions that may be available.
The warranty is an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner’s price. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you’ll have peace of mind that your new air conditioner will be covered 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. Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor who is not licensed may void your warranty and damage your new unit. Contact your trusted heating and air conditioning company about financing options in case you don’t have the funds to cover the installation up front. Most HVAC companies provide financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit if your energy bills have been rising. New air conditioners are more energy efficient and have other advantages.
To find out the cost of an AC system costs, you must first ask for estimates from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain the cost of the AC as well as installation costs for a comprehensive project. The price of an air conditioner depends on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You will also need to decide if you’d like an uni-speed or variable-speed conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings to adjust energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than an ordinary AC with one speed blower.
Your comfort advisor will assist you in determining the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. An air conditioner that is too small will be unable to provide the cooling requirements of your home while an air unit that is too big will consume energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to consider after you have selected the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills when you opt for an air conditioner that has high SEER. You can also cut down on upfront costs by taking advantage of rebates from manufacturers and utilities companies in your region.
It is essential to hire an an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is appropriate to your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure that it runs at its best. They’ll also be there to help you if your air conditioner is experiencing problems. So, if you’re eager to begin saving money on electric bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, get in touch with us today!
