How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
Air conditioners are a major investment for your home. The price varies considerably depending on several factors including size, energy efficiency and features.
The AC system you choose should be sized correctly to your space. This will ensure that your new AC system is both efficient and economical.
Size
When it comes down to selecting the best air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of factors to consider including BTUs and tonnage, to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important aspects is size. A properly sized air conditioner will keep your home warm without wasting energy or causing more costs.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that larger is always better when it comes to sizing an air conditioner. In reality, having more tonnage is counterproductive. When an AC unit is too small for the area it is cooling it will turn off and on often, never reaching the desired temperature. This results in more expensive electricity bills as well as poorer performance and wear and tears on the equipment.
On the other hand, an over-sized air conditioner will chill the room too quickly and may not dehumidify your space properly. This could result in a clammy uncomfortable feeling and can encourage the growth of mold or mildew. In addition, the non-stop running of a large air conditioner can cause excessive wear and tear and decrease the lifespan of the unit.
To determine the correct size of air conditioner for your home, you need to be aware of the square footage. This information is usually found on the blueprints of your home or is available from a professional. Once you have the information, you can use a calculator online to calculate how many BTUs you require to power your home. However, this is just a rough estimate, and it’s best to consult with an expert HVAC technician prior to making a final decision.
A professional should carry out A professional should perform a Manual J calculation to get the most precise measurements you can get. This is similar to an energy audit of your home and can be done by an HVAC company, a general contractor, or even an inspector of your home. Calculations are made according to factors like the size of your house, how much sun is exposed to it, the number of windows and their age, among others. Professionals will also consider the type of insulation that is installed in your home, as well as the climate in which you live.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an air conditioner, it is crucial to take a look at the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit that will help you save money on your utility bills. You can find this information by searching for the label “energy star” or asking your HVAC professional to examine your home and recommend a higher efficiency model.
The Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) is the most important factor in determining the effectiveness of an air conditioner. This figure shows how much cooling it will provide per watt of energy it uses in a given year. A higher SEER rating comes with an initial cost however, you’ll eventually recover the investment by paying less every month on your energy bill.
There are other methods to increase the energy efficiency of your AC unit. You can utilize a thermostat that you can program to only run the conditioner when it is necessary. Insulation in your home can help you save money on your energy bills by stopping heat loss and lessening air leaks.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The more recent R-410A or Puron refrigerants are more efficient than Freon and have a lower impact on the earth’s ozone layer. Installing solar panels can offset a portion of the energy your air conditioner consumes from fossil fuels.
The best way to determine how much an air conditioner will cost is to visit an area HVAC firm and receive free consultation with their service and sales technicians. They will assess your home to determine the right size unit to meet your requirements. They can also explain the various energy efficiency ratings and what you should look for in a quality unit. They can also walk about the cost of installation as well as any changes that might need to be made your ductwork. They can also help you understand any rebates on energy you might be eligible for based on the type of air conditioner you choose.
Features
There are numerous features available in air conditioners, and selecting one that can fulfill the functions you require is important. For instance, if your primary aim is to maintain the quality of your indoor air, then a model like the Daikin Perfera floor standing or the Ururu Sarara which offer top-quality and even self-cleaning air filters are units to consider, on the other hand, if you’re seeking advanced cooling capabilities then a window-mounted model might be better for your needs.
A high-quality air conditioner should be able to evenly cool the entire room, without creating hot or cold spots. This is possible because of the AC’s ducts and fan that help to distribute air throughout the room. This is essential for large rooms or those with furniture as it eliminates the spread of temperatures, which can be uncomfortable.
The ability of an air conditioner to control humidity is a further important function. Having an environment with regulated humidity is beneficial to your health as it can minimize the risk of mold exposure, dust mites, heat strokes, and asthma-related respiratory problems. A reputable air conditioner should be able to maintain your home’s temperature between 30-50%.
When purchasing a new air conditioning unit, energy efficiency is also an important factor to take into consideration. ENERGY STAR certified models meet efficiency standards, which reduce energy consumption and cost in comparison to less efficient models. Other features that help conserve energy include a sleep mode that lets the unit shut off at specific times of the night and a timer that can be programmed that allows you to set the AC to run at specific times when you are working or away for the day.
Many modern air conditioners have advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity as well as remote control via an app on your smartphone. This is an excellent option for those who are often away from their home and can set up the air conditioning to cool down or even heat up prior to arriving.
Installation
A new air conditioner is a significant investment, so it’s crucial to select the best unit for your home. A high-efficiency model will result in lower cooling costs and a longer life for your equipment. Many states offer tax credits to homeowners who install high efficiency units.
Calculating the area that needs to be cooled, and then calculating the BTUs required for the system is the best method to determine which air conditioner unit to buy. It is also essential to hire an expert to handle the installation. This will not only guarantee that the system has been properly sized but it will also safeguard your warranty and save money over the course of time.
Portable air conditioners are a fantastic alternative for homes with no ductwork. These air conditioners can be vented through windows and some models are built to fit double-hung or casement windows. These models are simple to use and can be connected to an electrical outlet. They’re not as efficient in energy use as other types of air conditioning, and you could pay more for your cooling.
A ductless system however, requires extensive work to install. The installer will need to add a new thermostat, install ductwork and wiring to support the operation of your new air conditioning unit. This type of installation can be more expensive than other options, but it can be worth the additional expense in the event that you want to cut down on cooling and heating costs.
A ductless system can also be more expensive to maintain, as it’s essential to be on top of regular maintenance. Routine maintenance such as changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe, and cleaning the condenser will help keep your unit working properly.
Contact your local dealer regarding rebates and financing. Many manufacturers offer discounts, particularly in the fall and spring. You can also look into a loan with no interest to help cover the cost of your new equipment. It’s also recommended to schedule a regular inspection to ensure that your air conditioner in good working order for years to come.