Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts, we try not to be too focused on price when it comes to buying 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 number 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 cost of a new air conditioner. The bigger your house, the more powerful unit (and more expensive) you’ll require to effectively cool it. The smallest units can be around one ton and a half 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’ll need will differ based on the layout of your house and the number of doors and rooms, the type of insulation you choose and more. A professional can conduct a heat load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will help you determine the exact size of unit you require. The calculation takes into account your home’s square footage as well as the number of windows and doors and the amount of sun it gets throughout the day as well as the height of your ceilings and much more.
It is also important to think about whether you would prefer a single or multi-stage system which will impact the overall price. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage ones, but both offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment used will also affect the overall cost, since variable speed machines tend to be more expensive than standard 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 cause poor indoor air quality, high energy consumption, and a myriad of other issues.
In time, a incorrect size AC unit can also cause more expensive repair costs. An over-sized unit will strain and be more able to keep your house cool, which can cause it to wear down more quickly and need repairs more often. A small unit on the other hand, will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t be able to cool your home effectively on hot days. You may even end having a unit that isn’t working in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is important because you can reduce your cooling expenses by a significant amount.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity it takes to perform the task at hand, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you determine the efficiency of your unit. The size of your house and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It’s not always an indicator of the unit itself.
Even though you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher, they don’t always operate at their maximum capacity. For instance, older air conditioning systems that have an SEER of 13 usually are operating close to 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. If you upgrade your 10-SEER by a model with a rating of 14 SEER and you save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient units can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest compressors and fan designs to ensure a quiet, comfortable operation.
Price is certainly an important factor in your decision-making process however, you must be aware that the price of your new device will likely exceed the initial price of purchase over its lifetime. A more expensive model that’s efficient enough to be able to pay for itself over the years is an excellent investment for your family. Talk to a professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company, to make sure you pick the best unit for both your budget and your home. We can match you with an air conditioner that meets your needs. Book an appointment now!
The Right to Rent
It is important to choose an air conditioner that can perform at its peak for the duration of the unit. A reliable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC that you buy is the perfect fit for your home and that you’ll get the best possible performance from it, which will help you reduce the cost of energy over time.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and check whether there are additional features you may require or want. For instance, some ACs use advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is a feature that those who reside in urban areas with a lot of noise or who want to reduce their energy consumption will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options could also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. Many manufacturers and dealers provide incentives to encourage buyers to buy a specific item. 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 also plays an important role in determining cost of your new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the equipment for a set amount of time, while extended warranties cover the unit for a longer time. 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 price of installation. It’s important to hire an experienced, certified technician to complete the installation in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or employing an unlicensed contractor could void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough funds saved to pay for the installation upfront, ask your trusted heating and cooling company about financing options. Most HVAC firms offer financing through reliable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is aging and your energy costs are rising, it’s time to replace it with a newer model. Newer air conditioners use less energy and provide numerous other benefits.
To figure out the cost of an AC system costs, you must first ask for estimates from HVAC contractors. The quotes should contain the cost of the AC unit as well as the installation cost to determine the total cost. The price of an air conditioner is contingent on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You’ll also have to decide if you’d like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have multiple power settings to adjust energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than an ordinary AC with a single speed blower.
Your comfort consultant can help you determine the size of the air conditioner that is appropriate for your home. They will calculate how many British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able to meet your home’s cooling requirements while a huge air conditioner will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to think about after having decided on the size. SEER ratings indicate how efficient an air conditioner is. The SEER rating reflects how efficient an air conditioner is.
You can save money on your utility bills if opt for an air conditioner that has high SEER. You can also cut down on upfront costs by taking advantage of rebates from the mfgs and utility companies in your area.
It’s important that you hire an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They’ll make sure that the air conditioner is properly sized for your home and is installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. They’ll also assist you in the event that your air conditioner has any issues. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy bills and enjoy the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.