Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts, we try not to focus too much on cost when it comes to buying new air cooling units. We know that a new AC unit can save you money over time in energy savings alone.
The amount your new AC costs depends on a variety of variables. Here are a few points to think about:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your home is one of the main factors that affects the new air conditioner cost. The bigger your house, the more powerful (and expensive) unit you’ll require to cool it effectively. The smallest units begin at a ton and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour. The largest could be 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you need depends on the layout of your house and the amount of rooms and doors, the type and quality of insulation, and much more. A professional can conduct a heat load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will assist you in determining the exact size unit that you need. The calculation takes into account the area of your home in addition to the number of doors and windows, the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height and much more.
It is also important to consider whether you want a single or multi-stage system that will affect the total cost. Single-stage units are generally less expensive than multi-stage ones, however they have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose to use will also affect the overall cost, since variable speed machines tend to be more expensive than standard single-speed machines.
It is also crucial to test your ductwork prior to installing a new AC to ensure that the dimension is right. A damaged ductwork system could result in poor indoor air quality and excessive energy consumption, as well as other issues.
In time, a incorrect size AC unit can also cause greater repair costs. Larger units will take longer and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear out faster and require more frequent repairs. A smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t be able to effectively cool your house on scorching hot days. You could end up with a unit that doesn’t work in any way. This can be extremely expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the efficiency rating for energy is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is a crucial aspect because you’ll be able to lower your cooling expenses significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to perform a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels can help you determine how efficient your unit is. It’s important to note that the size of your home and the fluctuations in temperature will influence the efficiency rating of the appliance, so it’s not necessarily a direct reflection of the appliance’s performance.
You’ll notice that the latest units have higher SEER than older ones, but it’s worth noting that even the highest-rated units don’t operate at their maximum capacity. Due to age and wear older air conditioners with an SEER rating of 13 are likely to be operating closer to a SEER of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy rating can save you significant amounts of money in one year. If you replace your 10-SEER model by a model with 14 SEER and you save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy efficient units is also a benefit to many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate advanced compressor technology and blade designs that provide peaceful, quiet operation.
Price will certainly be an element in your decision, but you should also be aware that the price of your new unit will likely exceed the initial price of purchase throughout its life. A unit that’s expensive but is efficient enough to pay for itself over time is a wise 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 can match you with an air conditioner that meets your requirements. Book an appointment now!
Warranty
It is essential to select an air conditioner that will perform at its peak for the entire life of the unit. A reliable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC you purchase is the right one for your home, and that you’ll get the best possible performance from it. This will help you cut down on the cost of energy over time.
It is important to evaluate AC models and determine if there are any 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 a nice feature for homeowners living in areas that have a lot of noise pollution or for anyone who wants to lower their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options can impact the cost of your new air conditioner. Many dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and encourage them to purchase a specific product. Ask your trusted heating and air conditioning company if they offer any special offers or discounts.
The warranty is also an important aspect in determining your new air conditioner’s cost. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a specific period of time, whereas extended warranties provide coverage for a longer time. The purchase of an extended warranty might seem expensive at first, but it will help to ensure you have peace of mind knowing your new air conditioner is covered for the longer term.
The cost of installation is included in the price for a new air conditioner. You should hire an expert technician to install your air conditioner. Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor that is not licensed may void your warranty and damage your brand new unit. Ask your trusted HVAC and heating company about financing options in case you don’t have the money to pay for installation upfront. The majority of HVAC companies provide financing through trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is aging and your energy bills are increasing, it’s time to replace it with a more modern model. New air conditioners use less energy and provide numerous other benefits.
To determine how much an AC system will cost, you should first get quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should include the price of the air conditioner as well as the installation costs to determine the total cost. The price of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors such as capacity as well as energy efficiency and other features. It is also necessary to decide if you want one-speed or variable speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have a variety of power settings that alter energy usage and performance based on cooling requirements. The cost of a variable speed AC will be more expensive than a standard air conditioner that has a single speed blower.
Your comfort consultant can help you determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A cooling system that is too small will be unable to provide the cooling requirements of your home, while an air unit that is too big will use up energy and cost money.
After you’ve decided on the size of your air conditioner, the next factor to be aware of is the SEER rating. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The SEER rating reflects how efficient an air conditioner is.
Selecting an air conditioner that has a high SEER rating will reduce your utility costs over time. You can also save on upfront costs by availing rebates from mfgs and utilities companies in your area.
It’s important that you hire an experienced contractor to install your new air conditioner. They’ll ensure that your air conditioner is correctly sized for your home and is installed correctly so that it is running as efficiently as it can. They’ll also be there to assist you in the event that your air conditioner is experiencing problems. Contact us today if want to save money on your energy costs while enjoying the peace and tranquility of an efficient air conditioning system.