Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
As HVAC experts We try not to be too focused on price when it comes time to purchase new air conditioners. We are confident that you will save money over time by installing a brand new AC.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Home’s Size
The size of your house is among the most important factors determining the cost of a new air conditioner. The bigger your home, the more powerful unit (and more expensive) you’ll require to properly cool it. The smallest units can start at a tonne and a half or 18,000 Btu per hour while the largest could be 6 tons or 72,000 Btu per hour.
The amount of cooling power you’ll need will vary depending on the layout of your home, the number of rooms and doors, the type of insulation and more. A professional can conduct the heat-load calculation, also referred to as a Manual J. This will assist you in determining the exact size of unit you need. The calculation will consider the size of your house, the number of windows and doors as well as the duration and amount of sunlight as well as the height of your ceilings, and much more.
You should also think about whether you would prefer a single or multi-stage system which will impact the total cost. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, but both will offer different levels of efficiency. The kind of equipment you select will also affect the price. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single speed machines.
Additionally it is essential to test your ductwork prior to the installation of an air conditioner in order to ensure that it is properly sized. A defective ductwork system could result in poor indoor air quality and high energy consumption, among other problems.
The wrong size of an AC unit can result in higher repair costs over time. Oversized units will work harder and take longer to cool your home, leading them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit however will struggle to meet cooling demands and won’t be able to cool your home effectively during hot days. You may even end with a system that isn’t working in any way. This can be very frustrating and costly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The greater the energy rating is, the more efficient the new air conditioner will be. This is an important factor since you’ll be able lower your cooling costs substantially.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to complete a specific task, expressed in BTUs or Watts. Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels will help you determine how efficient your appliance is. It’s important to remember that the size of your home and the temperature fluctuations will affect the efficiency rating of the appliance, so it’s not necessarily an exact reflection of the appliance’s performance.
You’ll likely notice that newer units have higher SEER than older ones however, it’s important to note that even the most highly-rated units aren’t operating at their maximum capacity. For instance older air conditioning systems with an SEER of 13 usually are operating more or less at an SEER rating of 8 due to age and wear-and-tear over time.
A higher energy efficiency rating could save you a substantial amount of money over the period of a year. If you replace your 10-SEER with a model with 14 SEER, you can save the equivalent of $908 each year in electricity.
Energy-efficient units also run quietly, which is a benefit for many homeowners. The quietest models incorporate modern compressor technology and blade designs to provide a peaceful, quiet operation.
While price will certainly be a factor in your decision-making process, it’s important to be aware that you’ll be spending far more than the initial cost of purchasing your new unit throughout its life. A more expensive model that is efficient enough to pay for itself over the years is a wise investment for your family. Consult a professional, such as our team at Mechanical Service Company, to ensure you select the right model for your budget and your home. We will match you with an air conditioner that is suitable for your needs. Set up an appointment now!
Warranty
A new air conditioner will work hard to cool your residence for more than a decade and that’s why it’s so important to choose one that performs at the highest capacity and efficiency throughout its lifetime. A reliable HVAC contractor will ensure the new AC that you buy is a great fit to your home and you will get the highest possible performance from it, which will allow you to reduce the cost of energy over time.
It is essential to compare air conditioner models and see if there are any additional features that you might require or want. For instance, certain ACs use advanced technology that makes them quieter and efficient than others. This is a nice feature for homeowners living in urban areas with lots of noise pollution or for anyone looking to cut down on their energy consumption.
Rebates and financing options may impact the cost of your new air conditioner. A lot of dealers and manufacturers offer incentives to lure buyers and convince them to buy an item. Ask your trusted heating and cooling company if they offer any special offers or discounts.
The warranty is also an important factor in determining your new air conditioner’s price. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a certain amount of time, while extended warranties will cover the unit for a longer duration. Getting an extended warranty may seem expensive at first however it will to ensure you have peace of mind knowing your new air conditioner is covered for the longer term.
The cost of installation will be included in the total price for a new air conditioner. It is recommended to hire a professional technician to install your air conditioner. If you do it yourself, or hiring a contractor that is not licensed may void your warranty and damage your new unit. If you don’t have enough funds saved to cover the installation upfront, inquire with your trusted heating and cooling company about financing options. The majority of HVAC companies provide financing through trusted institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s the right time to consider replacing it with a newer model. New air conditioners are more energy efficient and have additional benefits.
To determine the cost of an AC system will cost, first seek out quotes from HVAC contractors. The quotes should include the price of the air conditioner and the installation costs for a total project cost. The price of the air conditioner will be contingent on factors like capacity as well as energy efficiency and features. You’ll also have to decide if you’d like a single-speed or variable-speed air conditioner. Variable-speed ACs have a variety of power settings that alter the energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than the standard AC with only a single speed blower.
Your comfort advisor can help you determine the right size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it will require to cool. An air conditioner that is too small will be unable to satisfy your home’s cooling requirements, while an air conditioner that is too large will use up energy and cost money.
Once you’ve determined 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 more efficient the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.
You will save money on your utility bills if opt for an air conditioner that has an SEER that is high. You can also save money on upfront costs by using rebates offered by manufacturers and utilities companies in your area.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner it is important to work with an experienced contractor for the installation. They will ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home and installed correctly so that it operates as efficiently as it can. They’ll also help you if your air conditioner has any issues. Contact us today if you want to save money on your energy bills while enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioning system.