Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC experts are careful not to focus too much on the price of new air conditioners. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings by itself.
How much your new AC costs is contingent on a variety of factors. Here are a few things to think about:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is one of the main factors that affects the new air conditioner cost. The larger your house is, the more powerful (and costly) unit you’ll require to cool it effectively. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest units could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need depends on the layout of your home, the number of doors and rooms and the quality and type of insulation, and much more. The best method to determine exactly what size of unit you require is to have an expert perform the heat load calculation, also known as a Manual J. The calculation takes into account the square footage of your home as well as the number of doors and windows and the amount of sun it receives throughout the day, the ceiling’s height and more.
You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This can affect the cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, but both offer different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you pick will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
In addition it is essential to test your ductwork prior to putting in an air conditioner to ensure that it is correctly measured. A defective duct system can result in poor indoor air quality, over energy use and a host of other problems.
In time, a incorrect size AC unit will also cause more expensive repair costs. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear down faster and require more frequent repairs. A smaller unit on the other hand, will struggle to meet cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your home on scorching days. You may even end having a unit that doesn’t function in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy efficiency rating, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is important because you’ll be able to lower your cooling expenses significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power 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 unit. The size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the rating of the appliance. It’s not always a reflection of the appliance itself.
You’ll notice that the latest units have higher SEER than older models However, it’s important to remember that even the top-rated units aren’t operating at maximum capacity. Because of wear and age older air conditioners with an SEER rating of 13 are likely to be operating more closely to a SEER rating of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save you substantial amounts of money in one year. If you replace your 10-SEER model by a model with 14 SEER that will save you $908 in electricity each year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient units is also a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models feature modern compressor technology and blade designs to provide a peaceful, quiet operation.
While price will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll spend more than the initial cost of purchasing your new unit over the course of its life. A more expensive unit that is efficient enough to be able to pay for itself over the years is an excellent investment for your family. Talk to a trusted professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you choose the right model for your budget and home. We can match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your requirements. Make an appointment today!
The Right to Rent
A new air conditioner is designed to cool your residence for more than a decade this is why it’s so important to choose a model that operates at its maximum performance and efficiency throughout its life. A good HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good choice for your home and will provide you with the best performance. This will help reduce the energy bills.
When comparing AC models, it’s an excellent idea to look at if they offer additional features you may want or need. Some ACs are, for instance, use advanced technology to create quieter and more efficient than others. This is a benefit that those who reside in urban areas with a lot of noise or who wish to cut down on their energy bills will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options could also affect the cost of your new air conditioner. Many manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to attract buyers and convince them to purchase a specific product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company if they have any special deals or discounts.
The warranty is an important factor in determining your new air conditioner’s cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a specific period of time, whereas extended warranties cover the unit for a longer period. A warranty extended may seem costly at first but it can ensure that you’re secure knowing your new air conditioner is protected for the long term.
The total air conditioner price will include the cost of installation. You should employ an experienced technician to install your air conditioner. If you do it yourself, or hiring a contractor that isn’t licensed could invalidate your warranty and damage your brand new unit. Consult your reliable HVAC company about financing options for those who don’t have enough funds to pay for installation up front. Most top HVAC companies offer financing through trusted institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit If your energy costs have been increasing. New air conditioners are more efficient in energy use and offer additional benefits.
To figure out the price an AC system costs, you must first ask for estimates from HVAC contractors. The estimates should include the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation cost for a total project cost. The price of an air conditioner is contingent on the capacity, energy efficiency, and features. You’ll also have to decide if you want an uni-speed or variable-speed conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners have multiple power settings that alter the energy consumption and performance depending on the cooling requirements. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort expert will assist you in determining the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A small air conditioner will not be able meet the cooling needs of your home, while a large air conditioner will use up energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to consider after you have selected the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an AC unit is. The more efficient the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills if you select an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also save on initial costs by using rebates offered by the mfgs and utilities companies in your region.
It’s important that you hire an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They will ensure that your air conditioner is correctly sized for your home and is installed properly to ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible. Plus, they’ll be there to assist you should any problems arise with your new air conditioner. Contact us today if you want to save money on your energy bills while enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.