Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC professionals We do our best to not be too focused on price when it comes time to purchase new air cooling units. We know that a brand new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings by itself.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few points to consider:
Size of Your Home
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the new air conditioner cost. The larger your house, the more powerful (and more expensive) unit you’ll need to cool it properly. The smallest units are about a ton-and-a-half in size, or 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power that you require will depend on the layout of your house, the number of rooms and doors and the quality and type of insulation, and more. The best way to figure out exactly what size of cooling unit you require is to hire an expert perform a heat load calculation known as a Manual J. The calculation takes into account the square footage of your home, number of windows and doors and the amount of sun it receives throughout the day and the ceiling’s height, and much more.
You’ll also want to determine if you want a single-stage or multi-stage setup. This can affect the cost. Single-stage units typically cost less than multi-stage ones, however both offer different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose to use will also impact the overall cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than conventional 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 correctly measured. A faulty ductwork system can result in poor indoor air quality and high energy consumption, among other issues.
A wrong size AC unit will also cause higher repair costs over time. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, causing them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling demands and won’t be able to effectively cool your home during scorching hot days. You may end up with a non-functional unit. This can be extremely expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is an important factor because you’ll be able to reduce your cooling costs significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to accomplish a particular task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can assist you in determining how efficient your unit is. The size of your house and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It’s not necessarily an indicator of the unit itself.
Even though you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher but they’re not always operating at their maximum capacity. For example, older air conditioning systems with an SEER of 13 usually end up operating closer to an 8 SEER rating due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
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, you can save $908 in electricity each year.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient units can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models are equipped with modern compressor technology and blade designs that provide peaceful, quiet operation.
Price is certainly an important factor in your decision, but you should also keep in mind that the cost of your new device will likely surpass the initial price of purchase 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, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to make sure you pick the best unit that fits your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your needs. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will work hard to cool your home for over a decade, which is why it’s crucial to select one that performs at the highest performance and efficiency throughout its lifespan. A reputable HVAC contractor can make sure that the new AC you buy is the right choice for your home and will give you the best performance. This will reduce your energy consumption.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and see whether there are extra features that you may like or require. For instance, certain ACs have advanced technology that makes them more quiet and efficient than others. This is a feature that those who live in noisy urban areas or who want to reduce their energy consumption will appreciate.
Rebates and financing options may affect the price of your new air conditioner. Many manufacturers and dealers provide incentives to encourage customers to purchase a particular product. If you’re interested in a particular brand, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling company about special discounts or other promotions that might be available.
The warranty also plays an important role in determining price of your new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the equipment for a specific period of time, while extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer time. Getting an extended warranty may seem expensive initially, but it will help ensure you have peace of mind knowing that your new AC is covered for the long term.
Your total new air conditioner costs will include the price of installation. It is recommended to hire an experienced technician to install your air conditioner. If you do it yourself, or hiring a contractor who is not licensed could void your warranty and cause damage to your new unit. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options if you don’t have the money to pay for installation up front. Most HVAC firms offer financing through reliable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy bills are increasing, it’s the right time to replace it with a more modern model. Newer air conditioners use less energy and provide many other advantages.
The first step in finding out the price a new AC system will cost is to get quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should include the cost of the AC as well as the installation costs for a comprehensive project. The price of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors like capacity, energy efficiency, and features. In addition, you will need to decide whether you prefer a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have a variety of power settings that can alter the energy consumption and performance depending on the cooling requirements. The cost of a variable speed AC will also be higher than a standard air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort consultant can help you determine the size of the air conditioner that is right for your home. They will estimate the number of British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A unit that is too small will not be able to meet your home’s cooling needs while an air unit that is too big will waste energy and money.
Once you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next aspect to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER ratings show how efficient an air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills if you select an air conditioner with an SEER that is high. You can also save on upfront costs by using rebates offered by mfgs and utilities companies in your area.
If you are in need of an air conditioner replacement it is important to choose a reputable contractor to install it. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and is installed correctly so that it operates as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there for you if any problems arise with your new air cooling system. Contact us today if you are looking to cut down on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.