Factors That Influence New Air Conditioner Cost
HVAC professionals try to avoid focusing too much on the expense of new air conditioners. We are confident that you will save money over the long term by putting in a new AC.
The cost of your new AC will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some things to think about:
The size of Your Home
The size of your home is among the most important factors determining the price of a new air conditioner. The bigger your home, the more powerful unit (and costlier) you will need to effectively cool it. The smallest units are around one-and-a-half tons which is 18,000 Btu/hour. The largest models could be 6 tons in size or 72,000 Btu/hour.
The amount of cooling power you need will depend on your home’s layout, the number of rooms and doors as well as the type of insulation you choose and more. A professional can perform a heat-load calculation, also known as a Manual J. This will aid you in determining the exact size unit you require. The calculation considers the size of your house, the number of doors and windows in addition to the amount and duration of sunlight and the height of the ceilings, and many more.
You should also decide if you want a single or multi-stage setup which will impact the overall price. Single-stage systems generally cost less than multi-stage ones, but they will have different levels of efficiency. The type of equipment you choose will also impact the cost. Variable speed machines are more expensive than single-speed machines.
It is also important to test the ductwork prior installing a new air conditioner to ensure that the size is right. A faulty duct system can cause poor indoor air quality, excessive energy use and a host of other problems.
Over time, the wrong size AC unit can result in higher repair costs. Oversized units will work harder and longer to cool your home, causing them to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance. A smaller unit will struggle to meet your cooling needs and won’t be able to effectively cool your house on scorching hot days. You may end up with an unusable unit. This can be extremely expensive and frustrating.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the new air conditioner. This is important because you can cut your cooling costs by significantly.
The energy efficiency rating is determined by the amount of power required to perform a particular task, measured in BTUs or Watts. EnergyGuide and EnergyStar labels can help you assess the efficiency of your appliance. It’s important to note that the size of your home and the fluctuations in temperature will influence the efficiency rating of the appliance but it’s not always an exact reflection of the system itself.
Although you’ll notice that the newer models are rated higher, they don’t always operate at their full capacity. Due to wear and age older air conditioners that have 13 SEER ratings are likely to operate closer to a SEER of 8 due to their age.
A higher energy efficiency rating can save you a significant amount of money over the time of the year. For instance, if upgrade your 10-SEER model to an 14-SEER model you could save about $908 worth of electricity annually.
Energy-efficient units also run quietly, which is another advantage for homeowners. The quietest models use innovative compressors and fan designs to ensure comfortable, soundless operation.
Price will certainly be an element in your choice but you must keep in mind that the price of the new model will likely exceed the initial price of purchase throughout its life. A unit that is expensive but is efficient enough to pay off over time is a good investment for your family. Speak with a reputable expert such as our team at Mechanical Service Company to make sure you select the best unit for your budget and home. We’ll be able provide you with the best air conditioner to meet your needs. Book an appointment now!
The Right to Rent
A new air conditioner will be working hard to cool your residence for over a decade and that’s why it’s important to choose one that will function at peak performance and efficiency throughout its life. A reputable HVAC contractor can ensure that the new AC you purchase is a good one for your home, and will give you the highest performance. This will reduce the energy bills.
When you’re comparing models for air conditioners it’s an excellent idea to look at if they offer additional features you may require or want. For instance, certain ACs utilize advanced technology that makes them more quiet and efficient than other models. This is a feature that those who live in noisy urban areas or who wish to cut down on their energy consumption will appreciate.
Other elements that could affect your new air conditioner cost include rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers and dealers provide incentives to encourage customers to purchase a specific product. If you’re interested in a particular brand, talk to your reliable heating and cooling provider about special discounts or other offers that could be available.
The warranty will also play a role in determining the cost of the new air conditioner. A standard manufacturer warranty covers the unit for a set period of time, whereas extended warranties cover the unit for a longer period. An extended warranty might seem expensive, but you’ll feel secure knowing that your new air conditioner will be covered for a longer period of time.
The cost of installation is included in the total cost for the purchase of a new air conditioner. It’s important to hire a qualified, professional technician to perform the installation in the event that you attempt to do it yourself or employing an unlicensed contractor could invalidate the warranty and cause damage to your new air conditioner. Ask your trusted HVAC company about financing options if you don’t have the funds to cover the installation up front. Most HVAC firms offer financing through reliable institutions like Wells Fargo.
Installation
If your old AC unit is getting old and your energy costs are increasing, it’s time to replace it with a more modern model. New air conditioners are energy efficient and have additional benefits.
The first step in finding out the price a new AC system will cost is to obtain quotes from HVAC contractors. Quotes should contain both the price of the AC and the installation cost for a complete project. The price of an air conditioner depends on the capacity, 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 can alter the energy consumption and performance according to cooling needs. A variable-speed AC is also more expensive than a standard AC with one speed blower.
Your comfort expert will assist you in determining the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home by determining how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) it requires to cool. A small air conditioner won’t be able meet the cooling needs of your house and a larger air conditioner will waste energy and money.
The SEER rating is the next thing to think about after you’ve chosen the size. SEER ratings indicate how efficient the air conditioner is. The SEER rating reflects how efficient an air conditioner is.
You will save money on your utility bills if you choose an air conditioner with high SEER. You can also save on upfront costs by availing rebates from mfgs and utilities companies in your region.
It’s important that you hire a professional contractor who is experienced in installing your new air conditioner. They’ll make sure that your air conditioner is properly appropriate to your home and that it is properly installed to ensure it operates as efficiently as it can. Additionally, they’ll be there for you in the event of any problems arise with your new air conditioner. So, if you’re ready to begin saving money on electric bills and enjoying the peace and quiet of an efficient air conditioner, contact us today!