Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals, we try not to focus too much on cost when it comes to buying new air conditioners. We are aware that a new AC unit will save you money over time through energy savings alone.
The amount your new AC costs depends on a number of factors. Here are a few things to think about:
The size of Your Home
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the new air conditioner cost. The bigger your home the more powerful unit (and more expensive) you will need to properly cool it. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will depend on the layout of your home as well as the number of doors and rooms, 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 assist you in determining the exact size unit you require. The calculation considers your home’s square footage, number of doors and windows, the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height, and more.
You’ll also have to decide if you would prefer a single-stage or multi-stage system. This could have an impact on the price. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage ones, but both will offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
It is also essential to test your ductwork before installing a new air conditioner to ensure that the dimension is correct. A defective duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, high use of energy and a variety of other problems.
Over time, the incorrect size AC unit can also cause more expensive repair costs. A large unit will overload and be more able to keep your house cool, which can cause it to wear out faster and require repairs more frequently. A smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling demands and won’t be able effectively cool your house during scorching hot days. You may even end with a system that isn’t working at all. This can be frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is a crucial aspect since you’ll be able reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity needed to perform a particular task, which is measured in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you determine the efficiency of your unit. It is important to keep in mind that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will influence the efficiency rating of the appliance, so it’s not necessarily directly a reflection of the appliance itself.
Although you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher but they’re not always operating at their full capacity. Because of wear and age, older air conditioners with 13 SEER ratings are likely to be operating more closely to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher efficiency rating could save you a substantial amount of money over the course of a year. If you replace your 10-SEER model with a model with 14 SEER and you save $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest design and compressor technology to ensure a comfortable, soundless operation.
While cost will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll pay more than just the initial purchase cost of your new gadget over the course of its life. A model that is costly but efficient enough to pay for itself over time is an excellent investment for your family. Talk to a trusted professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best model for your budget and home. We can help you find an air conditioner that meets your needs. Book an appointment now!
Warranty
It is crucial to select an air conditioner that can perform at its best for the duration of the unit. A reputable HVAC contractor can make sure that the new AC you purchase is the right fit for your home, and will give you the highest performance. This will reduce your energy costs.
When comparing air conditioner models it is recommended to take into consideration if they offer additional features that you might like or require. Some ACs are, for instance, employ advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than others. This is an advantage that homeowners who live in noisy urban areas or who want to reduce their energy consumption will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options can impact the cost of your new air conditioner. Numerous dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to buy an item. If you’re interested in a particular brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other offers that could be available.
The warranty will also play an important role in determining cost of your new air conditioner. Extended warranties cover the equipment for longer durations than the standard manufacturer warranty. A warranty extended may seem costly initially, but it will help ensure you’re secure knowing that your new AC is covered for the long term.
The cost of installation will be included in the total price for a new air conditioner. It is crucial to hire a qualified, professional technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor could void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Contact your trusted heating and air conditioning company about financing options if you don’t have the funds to pay for installation up front. The majority of HVAC firms offer financing through reputable 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 energy use and offer other benefits.
To figure out how much an AC system will cost, you should first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain the cost of the AC and the installation cost for a complete project. The price of an air conditioner is contingent on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. Additionally, you’ll need to decide if want a variable-speed or single-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings that can be adjusted to control energy consumption and performance in accordance to cooling needs. The cost of a variable-speed AC will be more expensive than a standard air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can assist you in determining the size of air conditioner that’s right for your home. They will estimate how many British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A smaller air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your house and a larger air conditioner will use up energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to think about after having chosen the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills if you choose an air conditioner with high SEER. You can also save upfront costs by taking benefit of rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in the area.
It is crucial to employ an skilled contractors to install your new air conditioner. They will ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and installed properly to ensure that it operates as efficiently as it can. Additionally, they’ll be there to assist you should any problems arise with your new air conditioner. Contact us today if want to reduce your energy bills while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.