How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
Air conditioners are a significant investment for your home. The price of an air conditioner unit depends on many factors, including its size energy efficiency, size, and other features.
The air conditioning system you select should be sized correctly to your space. This will ensure that your new AC system is efficient and cost-effective.
Size
When it comes down to selecting the ideal air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of aspects to consider including BTUs and tonnage, to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important aspects to consider is size. The correct size air conditioner can keep your home cool without wasting energy or increasing costs.
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that bigger is better when it comes to time to decide on the size of an air conditioner. In reality, a larger capacity can actually be counterproductive. If an AC unit isn’t big enough for the space it’s cooling, it will turn off and on often, never reaching the desired temperature. This leads to higher electricity costs as well as lower performance and wear and tears on the equipment.
A huge air conditioner will cool down the space too quickly, and might not be able to dehumidify the space properly. This can cause a clammy uncomfortable sensation and encourage the development of mildew and mold. In addition, the non-stop running of a large air conditioner can result in excessive wear and tear, and reduce the unit’s lifespan.
You must be aware of the square footage of your home to determine the appropriate size air conditioner for your home. This information is usually located on your home’s blueprints or can be obtained by an expert. Once you have the information you can use a calculator online to determine the number of BTUs you need for your home. This is only an estimate, and it’s recommended to speak with a professional HVAC technician to make a more accurate calculation.
A professional should conduct an Manual J calculation to get the most accurate measurements possible. This is similar to an energy audit of your home and can be done by an HVAC company, a general contractor, or even a home inspector. The calculations that are performed will be dependent on the floor space of your home, the amount of sunlight exposure as well as the age and number of windows, and other factors. The experts will also take into consideration the type of insulation that is installed in your home, and the climate where you reside.
Energy Efficiency
The air conditioning system you have an enormous amount of energy, which is why it is important to consider the efficiency ratings when shopping for one. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit that will help you save money on your utility bills. This information can be found by studying the label for energy star or asking an HVAC professional to assess your house and recommend a more efficient model.
The Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) is the most crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of an air conditioner. This figure tells you how much cooling it will provide in a year per watt of power that it consumes. It is important to remember that a higher SEER rating does require an upfront expense, but you will eventually be able to recover the initial investment by paying less on your energy bill each month.
There are other methods to increase the efficiency of your AC. You can set a thermostat that can be programmed to only run your air conditioner when you require it. Also, having insulation inside your home will help keep your energy costs down by reducing heat loss and stopping air leaks.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The latest R-410A or Puron refrigerants are more efficient than Freon and have a lesser impact on the earth’s ozone layer. Installing solar panels can offset some of the energy your air conditioner draws from fossil fuels.
The best way to determine the price an air conditioner will cost is to visit a local HVAC firm and receive an appointment for a no-cost consultation with their service and sales representatives. They will assess your home and recommend a new unit that is the right size for your needs. They can also explain different energy efficiency ratings, and what to look for in a high-quality unit. They can also discuss the cost of installation and any changes to your ductwork that may be required. They can also discuss any rebates for energy that you may be qualified for based on the air conditioner you select.
Features
Air conditioners have various features. It is essential to select one that provides the functions you need. For example if your primary goal is to maintain a good indoor air quality then a unit such as the Daikin Perfera floor standing or the Ururu Sarara that offer high-quality and even self-cleaning air filters are units you should consider however should you be looking for advanced cooling capabilities then a window mounted unit may be more suitable for your needs.
A good air conditioner should be able to cool the space evenly without creating hot or chilly spots. This is accomplished by the AC’s ducts and fans that help to distribute air throughout the room. This is especially crucial for rooms that are large or have a lot of furniture because it prevents uneven temperatures that can cause discomfort.
Another crucial purpose of an air conditioning unit is its ability to regulate humidity. A controlled environment is beneficial for your health, as it helps reduce mold exposure dust mites, asthma and other asthmatic conditions like asthma. A good air conditioner must be able to keep the temperature of your home between 30 and 50 percent.
When purchasing an air conditioner, energy efficiency is also an important factor to take into consideration. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that help save electricity and money versus less efficient units. Other energy-saving options include a sleep mode that allows the unit to shut off at specific time of night and a programmable timer that allows you to set the AC to run at specific times of the day when you’re at work or out for the day.
Many modern air conditioners have smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity as well as remote control through an app that you can download to your smartphone. This is an excellent option for those who are often away from their home and can set the air conditioner to cool down or warm up before arriving home.
Installation
A new air conditioner is a significant investment and it’s important to choose the right unit for your home. A high-efficiency model will lower cooling costs and prolong the life of your equipment. In addition several states offer tax credits to homeowners who purchase high-efficiency appliances.
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 important to hire a professional to do the installation. Not only does this help ensure that the system is correctly sized and installed, but it can also help to protect the warranty and save you money in the long term.
Portable air conditioners are a fantastic choice for homes without ductwork. These air conditioners can be vented through windows and some models are made to work with double-hung or casement windows. These models are easy-to-use and can be connected to an electrical outlet. However they’re not as efficient as other types of air conditioners, so you may end up paying more for your cooling bill.
On the other hand, a ductless system requires a significant renovation in order to install. The installer must add an additional thermostat, set up ductwork and wiring to ensure the operation of the new air conditioning unit. This kind of installation can be more expensive than other options, however it’s worth the extra expense when you’re looking to cut down on heating and cooling costs.
A ductless system could be more expensive to maintain, as it’s essential to maintain regular maintenance. Conducting routine tasks such as changing the filter and cleaning the condenser coils, and cleaning the drain line will aid in keeping your unit in top working condition.
Ask your local dealer regarding rebates and financing. A lot of manufacturers offer discounts, particularly during the spring and fall. You can also consider an unsecured loan with no interest to help you purchase the new equipment. It is also recommended to plan an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner will run smoothly for years to be.