Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts We try not to focus too much on cost when it comes to new air conditioners. We are aware that a new AC unit can save you money over time, in energy savings by itself.
How much your new AC costs will depend on a number of factors. Here are a few points to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is among the most important factors determining the cost of a new air conditioner. The bigger your house is, the more powerful (and costlier) you’ll need to properly cool it. The smallest units could start at a ton and a half in size or 18,000 Btu per hour, while the most powerful could be 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you need depends on the layout of your home and the number of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and more. The best way to determine exactly what size unit you need is to hire professionals perform a heat load calculation referred to as a Manual J. The calculation takes into account your home’s square footage as well as the number of windows and doors, the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day, the ceiling’s height and more.
It is also important to think about whether you would prefer one or multi-stage systems which will impact the overall price. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage ones, however they provide different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose to use will also impact the total cost, since variable speed equipment tends to be more expensive than standard single-speed machines.
It is also crucial to test your ductwork before installing a new AC to ensure that the dimension is correct. A faulty ductwork system can cause poor indoor air quality and excessive energy consumption, among other problems.
A faulty size AC unit will also result in higher repair costs over time. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear out more quickly and need more frequent repairs. A smaller unit, on the other hand will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t be able to effectively cool your home on hot days. You could end with a system that isn’t working in any way. This can be very expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating higher, the more efficient is the new air conditioner. This is an important factor because you’ll be able to lower your cooling expenses significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of electricity required to complete a specific task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will aid you in determining how efficient your unit is. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the efficiency of your appliance but it’s not always an exact reflection of the appliance itself.
Although you’ll notice that newer units are higher-rated however, they’re not always operating at their full capacity. For example older air conditioning systems with 13 SEER typically are operating 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 course of a year. For instance, if you upgrade your 10-SEER model to one that has 14 SEER ratings and you save $908 of electricity each year.
Energy-efficient units can also be operated quietly, which is another benefit for homeowners. The quietest models utilize the latest compressor technology and fan designs to ensure a peaceful, silent operation.
Price is certainly a factor in your decision, but you should also keep in mind that the cost of your new device will likely exceed the initial price of purchase throughout its lifetime. A model that is costly but effective enough to pay off over time is a good investment for your family. Talk to a professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure that you choose the best unit for both your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that suits your needs. Schedule an appointment now!
Warranty
It is essential to select an air conditioner that can perform at its peak for the duration of the unit. A reputable HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you invest in is the perfect fit for your home and that you’ll get the best possible performance from it, which will help you reduce the cost of energy over time.
It’s important to compare air conditioner models and check whether there are additional features that you might want or need. For instance, certain ACs utilize advanced technology which makes them quieter and efficient than other models. This is an advantage that homeowners who live in noisy urban areas or who wish to cut down on their energy consumption will appreciate.
Other elements that could affect the cost of your new air conditioner include rebates and financing options. Numerous manufacturers and dealers offer incentives to lure buyers and encourage them to purchase a specific product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning firm if they have special offers or discounts.
The warranty is an important factor in determining the new air conditioner’s cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a certain period of time, while extended warranties cover the unit for a longer time. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you’ll be assured that your new air conditioner will be protected for a longer period of time.
The total air conditioner costs will include the cost of installation. It is crucial to hire a qualified, professional technician to install the system in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or using an unlicensed contractor could void the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. If you don’t have enough cash saved to cover the installation upfront, ask your trusted heating and cooling company about financing programs. Most of the top HVAC companies offer financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
It’s time to replace your old AC unit in case your energy bills have been increasing. New air conditioners are more efficient in energy use and offer additional benefits.
The first step to find out the price a new AC system will cost is to request quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should contain the cost of the air conditioner and the installation costs for a total project cost. The price of an air conditioner depends on the capacity, energy efficiency and features. Additionally, you’ll have to decide if you prefer a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed air conditioners come with a variety of power settings that alter energy usage and performance according to cooling needs. The price of a variable-speed AC will be more expensive than a conventional air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the right size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A unit that is too small will not be able to provide the cooling requirements of your home, while an air unit that is too big will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to consider after you have chosen the size. SEER ratings show how efficient the air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is.
You’ll save money on your utility bills if choose an air conditioner that has an SEER that is high. You can also cut down on upfront costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in your region.
If you are in need of an air conditioner that is new, it’s important to hire a professional contractor for the installation. They’ll make sure that the air conditioner is correctly sized for your home and installed properly to ensure that it is running as efficiently as it can. Plus, they’ll be there for you in the event of any problems arise with your new air cooling system. So, if you’re ready to start saving on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioner, call us today!
