Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts We try not to concentrate too much on the cost when it comes to new air cooling units. We know that you’ll save money over the long term by putting in a new AC.
The cost of your new AC is contingent on a variety of factors. Here are some things to consider:
The size of Your Home
The size of your home is one of the biggest factors that influences the new air conditioner cost. The bigger your home, the more powerful unit (and costlier) you’ll need to cool it properly. The smallest units could start at a ton and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour, while the largest could be as large as 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you require will vary depending on the layout of your house, the number of doors and rooms, the type of insulation you choose and more. The best way to figure out exactly what size unit you need is to have an expert conduct a heat load calculation known as a Manual J. The calculation takes into account the square footage of your home, number of doors and windows, the amount of sunlight it gets throughout the day as well as the ceiling’s height and much more.
You’ll also want to decide if you would prefer a single-stage or multi-stage system. This can have an impact on the cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, however 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.
Additionally 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 cause poor indoor air quality, over use of energy and a variety of other issues.
Over time, the improper size AC unit can lead to greater repair costs. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, which causes them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit, on the other hand, will struggle to meet your cooling requirements and won’t have the ability to cool your home effectively on scorching days. You may end up with an unusable unit. This could be extremely frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy efficiency rating is, the more efficient your new air conditioner will be. This is important because you can cut your cooling costs by an impressive amount.
The energy efficiency rating is based on the amount of electricity required to complete a specific task, measured in BTUs per hour or watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will help you determine the efficiency of your appliance. The size of your house and the temperature fluctuations will affect the appliance’s rating. It’s not necessarily an indicator 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 highest-rated units aren’t operating at maximum capacity. For instance, older air conditioning systems that have an SEER of 13 usually will operate closer to an 8 SEER rating due to the wear and tear of time.
A higher efficiency rating will save you a significant amount of money over the period of a year. If you replace your 10-SEER model with a model with 14 SEER and you save $908 per year in electricity.
The quiet operation of energy-efficient appliances can also be a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models are equipped with modern compressor technology and blade designs to provide a quiet, comfortable operation.
While cost will certainly influence your decision-making process, you must be aware that you’ll be spending far more than the initial cost of your new gadget over the course of its life. A more expensive unit that’s efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Consult a reputable professional like our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you pick the right model for your budget and home. We can help you find an air conditioner that suits your requirements. Make an appointment today!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your residence for more than a decade this is why it’s important to choose one that will function at peak performance and efficiency throughout its life. A good HVAC contractor will ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good fit for your home, and will give you the most efficient performance. This will help reduce your energy consumption.
It’s important to compare AC models and determine whether there are any additional features that you might want or need. Certain ACs are, for instance, use advanced technology to make them more quiet and efficient than other models. This is a desirable feature for homeowners who live in areas that are crowded with lots of noise pollution or anyone looking to cut down on their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options could impact the cost of your new air conditioner. Numerous dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to attract customers and convince them to buy the product they are interested in. Ask your trusted heating and cooling company if they offer any special offers or discounts.
The warranty will also play an important role in determining cost of the new air conditioner. Extended warranties protect the equipment for longer durations than the standard manufacturer warranty. A longer warranty may seem expensive, but you’ll feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be protected for a long period of time.
The cost of installation will be included in the total price for a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire a certified, professional technician to install the system, as doing 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, inquire with your reliable heating and cooling company about financing programs. The majority of HVAC companies provide financing through reputable institutions such as Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s time to consider replacing it with a newer model. Newer air conditioners use less energy and come with numerous other benefits.
The first step in finding out the cost of an AC system will cost is to request estimates from HVAC contractors. The estimates should include the cost of the air conditioner and the installation cost to determine the total cost. The cost of an air conditioner is contingent on factors such as capacity, energy efficiency and features. It is also necessary to decide if you want an uni-speed or variable-speed conditioner. Variable-speed ACs can be set to have multiple power settings that can be adjusted to control the energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. The cost of a variable speed AC will also be higher than an air conditioner with a single-speed blower.
Your comfort expert can assist you in determining the size of the air conditioner that is right for your home. They will calculate how many British Thermal Units it needs to cool. A cooling system that is too small will be unable to meet your home’s cooling needs, while an air unit that is too big will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next factor to think about after having selected the size. SEER ratings are a measure of how efficient an air conditioner is. The more efficient the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills if choose an air conditioner with high SEER. You can also save money on upfront costs by availing rebates from the mfgs and utilities companies in your area.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner that is new, it’s important to choose a reputable contractor for the installation. They’ll make sure that the air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and installed correctly so that it runs as efficiently as possible. They’ll also be there to assist you if your air conditioner has any issues. So, if you’re eager to save money on your electric bills and enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioner, call us today!
