How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
An air conditioner is a substantial home investment. The price varies considerably depending on a variety of factors, including size, energy efficiency, and features.
You should choose an air conditioner that is the right size for the space you have. This will ensure that your new AC system is efficient and cost-effective.
Size
When it comes down to selecting the best air conditioner for your home, there are many factors to take into consideration – from BTUs and tonnage to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important aspects is size. The correct size air conditioner can keep your home comfortable without wasting energy or causing more costs.
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that bigger is better when it comes time to decide on the size of an air conditioner. In fact, more tonnage can be detrimental. If an AC unit is too large for the room it is cooling it, the AC will turn on and off often and not reach the desired temperature. This can result in more expensive electricity bills, as well as less performance and wear and tear on the equipment.
A huge air conditioner will cool down the space too quickly, and might not be able to dehumidify the space effectively. This could result in a clammy uncomfortable sensation and encourage the development of mildew and mold. The constant operation of an air conditioner that is too large can also result in excessive wear and tear, reducing the life expectancy of the unit.
To determine the right size of your air conditioner for your home, you’ll must know the square footage of your home. This information can be found on the plans of your home or by a professional. Once you have the information you can use an online calculator to determine the number of BTUs needed for your home. This is only an estimate, and it’s recommended to speak with an experienced HVAC technician for a more accurate calculation.
A professional should conduct an Manual J calculation to get the most precise measurements that are possible. This is similar in nature to an energy audit, and is usually performed by an HVAC company or a general contractor. Calculations are made based on factors such as the size of your house, how much sun is exposed to it, the number of windows and their age, among others. A professional will also take into account the type of insulation that you have installed in your home as well as the climate where you live.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an air conditioner, it is crucial to consider the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating is an energy-efficient unit that will save you money on your utility bills. You can find this information by looking for the label “energy star” or asking your HVAC expert to evaluate your home and recommend a more high efficiency model.
The Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) is the most important factor in determining the efficiency of an air conditioner. This number shows you how much cooling it will provide per Watt of electricity consumed in a given year. It is important to note that an SEER rating higher than the norm will come at an upfront cost however, you will eventually recover the initial investment by paying less on your energy bill each month.
There are many other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your AC unit. You can utilize a thermostat that you program to only run the air conditioner when it is necessary. Also having insulation in your home can help keep your energy costs lower by reducing heat loss and by stopping air leaks.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The latest R-410A and Puron refrigerants have a greater efficiency than Freon, but also have a less negative impact on the earth’s protective ozone layer. Installing solar panels can help offset some of the energy that your air conditioner uses from fossil fuels.
The best method to determine the price an air conditioning unit will cost is to visit an local HVAC company and get an appointment for a no-cost consultation with their service and sales representatives. They will assess your home to determine the best size unit to meet your needs. They will also be able to explain the different energy efficiency ratings and what to look for in a quality unit. They can also guide about the cost of installation and any modifications that may require to be made to your ductwork. Additionally, they can talk about any energy rebates that you could be eligible for based on the type of air conditioning you choose.
Features
There are many different features in air conditioners and choosing a unit that has the features you need is important. If you’re primarily concerned about maintaining the quality of your indoor air, then you should consider models like the Daikin Perfera or Ururu Sarara, which offer high-quality air filters and even self-cleaning ones. On the other hand, you could prefer a window-mounted unit if desire to have the most advanced cooling.
A good air conditioner unit should be able to evenly cool the entire room without creating hot or cold spots. This is accomplished by the AC’s ducts and fan that help to distribute air throughout the room. This is crucial in large rooms or ones with a lot of furniture as it eliminates uneven temperatures which could be uncomfortable.
Another important function of an air conditioning unit is its ability to regulate humidity. Being in a space with regulated humidity is beneficial for your health since it helps minimize the risk of mold exposure, dust mites, heat strokes and respiratory conditions like asthma. A good air conditioner must be able to keep the temperature of your home between 30 and 50 percent.
When purchasing an air conditioning unit, energy efficiency is also important to think about. ENERGY STAR certified models comply with efficiency standards, which reduce energy consumption and cost as compared to less efficient units. Other energy-saving options include a sleep mode, that allows the unit to shut off at specific time of night and a timer that can be programmed to allows you to set the AC to run at specific periods of the day, whether you’re working or out for the day.
Many modern air conditioning units have sophisticated features, including the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and remote access via an app that you can download on your mobile device. This is an excellent option for those who are often away from their homes and can set the air con to cool down or warm up prior to returning home.
Installation
A new air conditioner is a big investment, so it’s crucial to choose the right unit for your home. A high-efficiency model will lower cooling costs and prolong the life of your equipment. Additionally, many states offer tax credits for homeowners who purchase high-efficiency appliances.
Calculating the area to be cooled and then calculating the BTUs that are required for the system is the ideal method to determine the best air conditioner unit to purchase. It is also essential to hire an expert to complete the installation. This will not only guarantee that the system is properly sized, but will also help protect your warranty and save you money over time.
For homes without ductwork, portable air conditioners are an excellent option. They can be vented from on a window, and there are models specifically designed to fit double-hung and casement windows. These models are simple to use and can be plugged into an electrical outlet. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as other air conditioners, which means you could pay more for your cooling bill.
A ductless system however, requires a lot of work to install. The installer must add a new thermostat, connect ductwork and wiring to ensure the operation of the new air conditioning unit. This kind of installation could be more expensive than others however if you are looking to reduce the cost of heating and cooling, it may be worth the extra expense.
A ductless system can also be more costly to maintain, as it is essential to be on top of regular maintenance. Regular maintenance like changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe, and cleaning the condenser will keep your system operating properly.
If you’re looking to purchase a new air conditioning unit, make sure to check with local dealers for rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers offer a variety of discounts, particularly during the fall and spring. You can also look into the possibility of a zero-interest loan to cover the cost of your new equipment. You should also plan an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner will run smoothly for the years to come.