Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts We try not to be too focused on price when it comes time to purchase new air conditioners. We are confident that you will save money over time by installing a brand new AC.
How much your new AC costs depends on a number of factors. Here are some things to consider:
Size of Your Home
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the cost of a new air conditioner. The bigger your home is, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll require to cool it appropriately. The smallest units can be around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units may be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need will depend on the layout of your home and the number of doors and rooms and the type of insulation you choose and more. A professional can carry out a heat-load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will help you determine the exact size unit you need. The calculation considers the square footage of your home as well as the number of doors and windows, the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day and the ceiling’s height, and more.
You’ll also want to determine if you want one-stage or multi-stage systems. This could have an impact on the cost. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage models, however they provide different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
Additionally it is essential to have your ductwork tested prior to putting in a new air conditioner to ensure that it is properly size. A defective duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, over energy use and a host of other problems.
A wrong size AC unit will also result in higher repair costs over time. Oversized units will work harder and take longer to cool your home, which causes 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 to effectively cool your home on scorching hot days. You may even end up with a unit that doesn’t function in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating is, the more efficient the 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 perform an exact task, which is measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can assist you in determining how efficient your appliance is. It’s important to note that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will influence the efficiency of your appliance and is not directly a reflection of the appliance itself.
Even though you’ll notice that newer units are higher-rated however, they’re not always operating at their maximum capacity. For example older air conditioning systems with 13 SEER typically end up operating more or less at an 8 SEER rating due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can save you substantial amounts of money in the course of a single year. If you replace your 10-SEER by a model with a 14 SEER rating and you save $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances is also a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure a comfortable, soundless operation.
Price is certainly an element in your decision-making process however, you must keep in mind that the price of the new model will likely surpass its initial purchase price throughout its life. A unit that’s expensive but efficient enough to pay off over time is a wise investment for your family. Talk to a professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure you select the right model for your budget and your home. We can match you with an air conditioner that meets your needs. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will work hard to cool your residence for a long time, which is why it’s crucial to choose a model that operates at its maximum performance and efficiency throughout its life. A reliable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC that you buy is the right one to your home and you will get the highest possible performance from it. This will help you cut down on the cost of energy over time.
It is important to evaluate air conditioner models and see if there are any additional features you may like or require. Some ACs, for example, utilize advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than others. This is an advantage that those who live in noisy urban areas or who are looking to cut their energy bills will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options can affect the price of your new air conditioner. A lot of manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to encourage consumers to purchase a particular product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company if they have any special discounts or offers.
The warranty will also play a role in determining the price of your new air conditioner. Extended warranties cover the unit for longer periods of time than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you will feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be covered for a long period of time.
The total air conditioner cost will also include the price of installation. It is essential to employ an experienced, certified technician to perform the installation, since doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Contact your trusted heating and air conditioning company about financing options in case you don’t have the money to pay for installation up front. The majority of top HVAC companies offer financing through trusted institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is aging and your energy costs are rising, it’s time to consider replacing it with a newer model. New air conditioners are more efficient in terms of energy efficiency and also have other benefits.
The first step to find out how much an AC system will cost is to get estimates from HVAC contractors. Quotes should include both 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. It is also necessary to decide if you’d like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners have multiple power settings that can alter energy usage and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert will help you determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining the amount of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your home, while a large air conditioner is a waste of energy and money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to be aware of is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient the air conditioner is. The SEER rating indicates how efficient an air conditioner is.
You will save money on your utility bills if you opt for an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also save money on initial costs by availing rebates from mfgs and utilities companies in your region.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement, it’s important to choose a reputable contractor to install. They will ensure that your air conditioner is properly sized for your home and installed correctly so that it is running as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there to assist you if your air conditioner experiences any problems. So, if you’re ready to save money on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioner, contact us today!