Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts strive to not focus too much on the cost of new air conditioners. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time in energy savings alone.
The amount your new AC costs depends on a variety of variables. Here are some factors to consider:
The size of Your Home
The size of your home is among the most important factors that affects the new air conditioner cost. The larger your house is, the more powerful (and costly) unit you will need to cool it appropriately. The smallest units can begin at a ton and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour. The largest could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will depend on the layout of your house, the number of doors and rooms and the type of insulation, and more. A professional can perform the heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size unit you need. The calculation considers the area of your home in addition to the number of doors and windows, the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day as well as the height of your ceilings and much more.
You’ll also need to determine if you want a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This can affect the price. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage units, however they will have different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you pick will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
Additionally, it is important to test your ductwork prior to putting in an air conditioner to ensure that it is properly sized. A faulty duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, over energy use and a host of other issues.
In time, a wrong size AC unit can cause greater repair costs. An oversized unit will overwork and work harder to keep your home cool, which will cause it to wear down more quickly and require repairs more frequently. In contrast, a small unit will struggle to meet your cooling needs and won’t be able effectively cool your house during hot, humid days. You may even end with a system that doesn’t work in any way. This could be a major hassle 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 lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to complete a specific task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will assist you in determining how efficient your unit is. The size of your house and temperature fluctuations can influence the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily an indication of the unit itself.
While you’ll see that the latest models are more rated but they’re not always operating at their full capacity. For example, older air conditioning systems that have an SEER of 13 usually are operating more or less at an SEER rating of 8 due to the wear and tear of time.
A higher efficiency rating will save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year. For example, if you replace your 10-SEER unit with one that has 14 SEER ratings and you save $908 of electricity annually.
Energy-efficient units also operate quietly, which is an additional benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure a quiet, comfortable operation.
Price is definitely an element in your decision, but you should also keep in mind that the cost of your new device will likely be higher than its initial purchase price over its lifetime. A more expensive model that is efficient enough to last for years is a wise investment for your family. Consult a reputable expert like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you pick the right unit for your budget and your home. We’ll be able match you with the perfect air conditioner to meet your requirements. Schedule an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will work hard to cool your residence for over a decade and that’s why it’s crucial to choose a model that operates at its maximum capacity and efficiency throughout its life. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC you invest in is the perfect fit for your home, and that you’ll get the most efficient performance from it, which will help you cut down on energy costs over time.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and check whether there are any extra features that you may like or require. Certain ACs like the ones listed above utilize advanced technology to create quieter and more efficient than others. This is a nice option for homeowners in areas that are crowded with lots 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. Many manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to attract buyers and encourage them to purchase the product they are interested in. If you’re interested in a certain brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty is an important factor in determining your new air conditioner’s price. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a specific period of time, while extended warranties cover the unit for a longer time. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you will have peace of mind that your new air conditioner will be covered for a longer period of time.
The total air conditioner costs will include the price of installation. It’s important to hire a certified, professional technician to perform the installation, as doing it yourself or employing an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough cash saved to pay for the installation upfront, talk to your reliable heating and cooling company 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 in case your energy bills have been increasing. New air conditioners use less energy and come with many other advantages.
To figure out the price an AC system will cost, you should first get quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the cost of the AC and the installation cost for a complete project. The cost of an air conditioner is contingent on the capacity, energy efficiency and features. In addition, you will have to decide if you prefer a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners have multiple power settings that alter energy usage and performance depending on the cooling requirements. The price of a variable-speed AC will also be higher than a conventional air conditioner with a single-speed blower.
Your comfort expert can help you determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A cooling system that is too small will be unable to meet your home’s cooling needs and an air conditioner that is too large will consume energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills when you opt for an air conditioner that has high SEER. You can also save money on upfront costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in your area.
If you are in need of an air conditioner that is new, it’s important to hire a professional contractor to install. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and installed correctly so that it is running as efficiently as it can. They’ll also assist you if your air conditioner has any problems. Contact us today if you want to save money on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with an efficient air conditioning system.
