Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals, we try not to be too focused on price when it comes to buying new air cooling units. We know that a new AC unit can save you money over time through energy savings alone.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some factors to consider:
The size of Your Home
The size of your home is among the most important factors that determines the cost of a new air conditioner. The larger your house is, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll require to cool it effectively. The smallest units are around one ton and a half, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units may be 6 tons of size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need depends on the layout of your home, the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and much more. A professional can conduct the heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will help you determine the exact size unit that you require. The calculation considers your home’s square footage, number of windows and doors and the amount of sun it gets throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height, and much more.
You will also need to think about whether you would prefer one or multi-stage systems that will affect the total cost. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage units, however both will offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment used will also affect the overall cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than traditional single-speed machines.
It is also essential to test the ductwork prior installing a new air conditioner to ensure that the dimension is right. A faulty duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, high energy consumption, and a myriad of other problems.
In time, a wrong size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs. A large unit will overload and be more able to keep your house cool, which causes it to wear out faster and require repairs more frequently. In contrast, a small unit will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t be able effectively cool your home on scorching hot days. You could even end up with a non-functional unit. This can be very frustrating and expensive.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is an important factor since you’ll be able reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to perform a particular task, measured in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It is not necessarily a reflection of the unit itself.
Although you’ll notice that the latest models are more rated however, they’re not always operating at their full capacity. For instance older air conditioning systems with a SEER of 13 typically will operate more or less at an 8 SEER rating due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy efficiency rating will save you a significant amount of money over the period of a year. For instance, if replace your 10-SEER unit with an 14-SEER model you could save about $908 worth of electricity per year.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units is also a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models make use of the latest compressors and fan designs to ensure a comfortable, soundless operation.
Price is definitely a factor in your decision however, you must keep in mind that the cost of your new device will likely be higher than the initial price of purchase throughout its life. A model that is costly but is efficient enough to pay off over time is a wise investment for your family. Speak with a reputable expert like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best model for your budget and home. We can match you with an air conditioner that meets your requirements. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your home for over a decade this is why it’s important to select one that will function at peak performance and efficiency throughout its lifetime. A good HVAC contractor will make sure the new AC you purchase is the perfect fit for your home, and that you’ll get the best possible performance from it, which will help you cut down on energy costs over time.
When comparing air conditioner models, it’s recommended to take into consideration if they offer additional features you might want or need. Some ACs like the ones listed above utilize advanced technology to make them quieter and more efficient than other models. This is a benefit that homeowners who live in noisy urban areas or who wish to cut down on their energy consumption will appreciate.
Other factors that can impact the price of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to encourage consumers to buy a specific item. If you are interested in a specific brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling supplier about special discounts or other offers that could be available.
The warranty can also play an important role in determining cost of the new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the product for a set period of time, whereas extended warranties provide coverage for a longer period. The purchase of an extended warranty might seem expensive initially but it can ensure you have peace of mind knowing your new air conditioner is covered for the long term.
Your total new air conditioner costs will include the price of installation. It’s important to hire a certified, professional technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or employing an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted HVAC company about financing options if you don’t have the money to pay for installation upfront. The majority of top HVAC companies offer financing through reputable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s time to replace it with a newer model. New air conditioners are energy efficient and have other advantages.
The first step in finding out how much an AC system will cost is to obtain quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should include both the cost of the AC and the installation cost for a complete project. The price of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors like capacity as well as energy efficiency and features. You’ll also have to decide if you’d like one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs come with a variety of power settings to adjust energy consumption and performance according to cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with one speed blower.
Your comfort expert can assist you in determining the size of the air conditioner that is appropriate for your home. They will calculate the number of British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A unit that is too small will be unable to meet your home’s cooling needs and an air cooling system that is too big will waste 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 AC unit is. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.
Choosing an air conditioner with a high SEER rating will help you save on utility bills over time. It is also possible to save on upfront costs by taking benefit of rebates that are offered by both utilities and manufacturers companies in the region.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement it is important to work with an experienced contractor to install it. They’ll ensure that the air conditioner is appropriate to your home and that it is installed correctly to ensure that it operates at its best. Plus, they’ll be there to assist you should there are any issues with your new air cooling system. If you’re ready to save money on your energy bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, call us today!
