Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC professionals are careful not to focus too much on the price of new air conditioning units. We know that you’ll save money over the long term by installing a brand new AC.
The amount your new AC costs will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few things to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is among the most important factors determining the cost of a new air conditioner. The bigger your home the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll require to cool it properly. The smallest units can start at a ton and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour. The largest may be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will depend on the layout of your home, the number of doors and rooms as well as 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 help you determine the exact size of unit you require. The calculation considers the square footage of your home in addition to the number of windows and doors as well as the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day and the height of your ceilings and much more.
It is also important to think about whether you would prefer one or multi-stage systems which will impact the total cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage units, however they will have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment used will also affect the total cost, since variable speed machines tend 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 dimension is correct. A defective ductwork system could cause poor indoor air quality and high energy consumption, among other problems.
Over time, the improper size AC unit will also result in more expensive repair costs. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear out more quickly and require more frequent repairs. A small unit however, will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t have the ability to effectively cool your home during hot days. You could even end up with a non-functional unit. This can be frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is important since you’ll be able lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity it takes to perform a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can aid you in determining how efficient your appliance is. It is important to keep in mind that the size of your house and the fluctuations in temperature will influence the appliance’s efficiency rating and is not directly a reflection of the appliance’s performance.
It’s likely that newer units have a higher SEER than older models, but it’s worth noting that even the highest-rated units aren’t operating at their maximum capacity. For instance, older air conditioning systems with an SEER of 13 usually will operate close to an 8 SEER rating due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can save substantial amounts of money in the course of a single year. If you upgrade your 10-SEER with a model that has a rating of 14 SEER that will save you $908 in electricity each year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient units is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure a quiet, comfortable operation.
While price will certainly play a role in your decision-making process, you must be aware that you’ll spend more than just the initial purchase cost of your new gadget over the course of its life. A more expensive model that is efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Speak to a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to make sure you pick the best unit that fits your budget and your home. We’ll match you with the perfect air conditioner to meet your requirements. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
It is crucial to select an air conditioner that can perform at its best throughout the duration of the unit. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC that you buy is the right one to your home and you’ll get the most efficient performance from it, which will help you reduce the energy bills over time.
When comparing AC models it’s a good idea to consider whether they come with additional features you might like or require. For instance, some ACs use advanced technology that makes them quieter and efficient than others. This is an advantage that homeowners who reside in noisy urban areas or who are looking to cut their energy consumption will appreciate.
Other factors that can affect your new air conditioner cost include rebates and financing options. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to attract customers and encourage them to purchase the product they are interested in. If you are interested in a specific brand, talk to your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty can also play a role in determining the cost of the new air conditioner. Extended warranties protect the equipment for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you’ll feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be covered for a long period of time.
The cost of installation will be included in the price for a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire a qualified, professional technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or using an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough money saved to pay for the installation upfront, ask your trusted heating and cooling company about financing options. The majority of HVAC companies provide financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been increasing. New air conditioners consume less energy and offer many other advantages.
To determine how much an AC system costs, you must first ask for estimates from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the price of the AC as well as installation cost for a complete project. The cost of an air conditioner is contingent on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency and features. It is also necessary to decide if you would like a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings that allow you to alter the energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than an ordinary AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the size of the air conditioner that’s right for your home. They will estimate the number of British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A unit that is too small will be unable to provide the cooling requirements of your home, while an air unit that is too big will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to think about after you’ve decided on the size. SEER ratings indicate how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
Selecting an air conditioner that has an SEER rating that is high will reduce your utility costs over time. You can also save on upfront costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utility companies in your area.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner it is essential to hire a professional contractor for the installation. They’ll make sure that the air conditioner is sized for your home and ensure that it is properly installed to ensure it functions as efficiently as possible. They’ll also be there to assist you if your air conditioner is experiencing issues. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy bills while enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with an efficient air conditioning system.