Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts are careful not to focus too much on the price of new air conditioning units. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings alone.
How much your new AC costs depends on a variety of variables. Here are some factors to think about:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is among the most important factors determining the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. The larger your house the more powerful (and costly) unit you will need to cool it appropriately. The smallest units can start at a tonne and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour, while the most powerful could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require will depend on the layout of your home as well as the number of doors and rooms and the quality and type of insulation, and many more. The best way to determine the exact size unit you need is to have professionals perform a heat load calculation referred to as a Manual J. The calculation considers the area of your home, number of windows and doors, the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day and the ceiling’s height and much more.
You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This could have an impact on the cost. Single-stage units are generally cheaper than multi-stage models, but they provide different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
In addition, it is important to have your ductwork tested prior to installing a new air conditioner to ensure that it is properly size. A faulty duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, excessive use of energy and a variety of other issues.
The wrong size of an AC unit can result in more costly repairs over time. Larger units will take longer and take longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear out more quickly and require more frequent maintenance. A small unit, on the other hand, will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t have the ability to cool your home effectively on scorching days. You may even end having a unit that doesn’t function at all. This can be extremely expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is crucial because you can reduce your cooling expenses by significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity it takes to perform a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your house and temperature fluctuations can affect the appliance’s rating. It’s not always a reflection of the appliance itself.
While you’ll see that the latest models are more rated however, they’re not always operating at maximum capacity. For instance, older air conditioning systems that have 13 SEER typically will operate close to an SEER rating of 8 due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy rating can help you save huge amounts of money over a single year. For example, if you upgrade your 10-SEER model to an 14-SEER model and you save $908 in electricity costs annually.
Energy-efficient units can also be operated quietly, which is a benefit for homeowners. The quietest models feature innovative compressor technology and fan blade designs to provide a comfortable, noiseless operation.
Price is definitely a factor in your choice, but you should also be aware that the cost of the new model will likely exceed its initial purchase price over the course of its life. A more expensive model that’s efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Speak to a professional, like our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure that you choose the best unit that fits your budget and your home. We can match you with an air conditioner that suits your needs. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will work hard to cool your home for a long time this is why it’s crucial to choose one that performs at the highest performance and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reliable HVAC contractor will make sure the new AC you invest in is the right one to your home and you’ll get the best possible performance from it, which will help you cut down on energy costs over time.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and see if there are any additional features you may like or require. For instance, certain ACs utilize advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than others. This is a desirable feature for homeowners living in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or anyone who wants to lower their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options can affect the price of your new air conditioner. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to attract customers and encourage them to purchase an item. If you’re interested in a particular brand, ask your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty is also an important factor in determining the new air conditioner’s cost. Extended warranties protect the equipment for longer time periods than the standard manufacturer warranty. An extended warranty might seem expensive, but you will feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be covered for a long period of time.
The cost of installation is included in the total price for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It is recommended to hire a professional 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. If you don’t have enough cash saved to cover the installation upfront, talk to your trusted heating and cooling provider about financing options. 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 bills are increasing, it’s time to think about replacing it with a more modern model. Newer air conditioners use less energy and come with many other advantages.
The first step in finding out how much a new AC system will cost is to request quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the price of the AC as well as the installation cost for a total project. The price of the air conditioner will depend on factors such as capacity energy efficiency, capacity, and other features. You will also need to decide if you’d like an uni-speed or variable-speed conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that can alter the energy consumption and performance based on cooling requirements. The price of a variable-speed AC will also be higher than a standard air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it will require to cool. A smaller air conditioner will not be able meet the cooling needs of your house while a huge air conditioner is a waste of energy and money.
Once you’ve determined the size of your air conditioner, the next factor to consider is the SEER rating. SEER ratings show how efficient an AC unit is. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills if select an air conditioner that has high SEER. It is also possible to save on the initial cost by taking full advantage of rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in the area.
If you are in need of a new air conditioner it is important to work with an experienced contractor to install it. They will ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and is installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. They’ll also be there for you in the event of any problems arise with your new air cooling system. Contact us today if want to reduce your energy bills while enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with an efficient air conditioning system.
