How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
An air conditioner unit is a substantial home investment. The cost of the unit varies widely based on several factors including size, energy efficiency and features.
You should choose an air conditioning system that is the right size for your space. This will ensure that your new AC system is both efficient and economical.
Size
There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing the right air conditioner to cool your home. This includes BTUs, tons, efficiency ratings, and smart home integration. But one of the most important factors is the size. A properly sized air conditioner will keep your home warm without wasting energy or causing more costs.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that bigger is always better when it comes to sizing an air conditioner. In fact, more tonnage can be detrimental. If an AC unit is too big for the room it is cooling, the AC will be off and on frequently, not reaching the temperature that is desired. This leads to higher electricity bills, as well as a poor performance and wear and tear on the equipment.
A large air conditioner will cool down the space too quickly, and might not be able to dehumidify the space correctly. This can result in a dry uncomfortable feeling and can encourage the development of mildew and mold. Additionally, the continuous running of a large air conditioner can result in excessive wear and tear and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
To determine the proper size of your air conditioner for your home, you need to know your square footage. This information is usually located on the blueprints for your home or can be obtained from a professional. Once you have the information, you can use a calculator online to figure out how many BTUs you require to power your home. This is only an estimation, and it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician for a more accurate calculation.
A professional should perform a Manual J calculation to get the most precise measurements you can get. This is similar in nature to an energy audit and is usually performed by an HVAC company or general contractor. The calculations will be dependent on the floor space of your home as well as the amount of sunlight exposure as well as the age and number of windows, and other aspects. A professional will also consider the type of insulation you have installed in your home and the climate you live in.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an air conditioner it is important to look at the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating signifies the energy efficiency of the unit and will save you money. You can locate this information by looking for the energy star label or by asking your HVAC professional to examine your home and recommend a more high efficiency model.
The most important aspect of the efficiency of an air conditioner is its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This figure tells you how much cooling it will provide over the course of a year for every watt of power that the unit consumes. A higher SEER rating comes with a cost upfront but you’ll eventually be able to recoup that investment by paying less each month on your energy bill.
There are many other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your AC unit. You can utilize a programmable thermostat to only run your air conditioner when you need it. Also having insulation inside your home will help keep your energy costs down by reducing heat loss and also by stopping 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 lesser impact on the earth’s ozone layer. Additionally, you can put solar panels on your home to offset some of the energy that your air conditioner uses from traditional fossil fuels.
The best method to determine the price an air conditioner will cost is to visit an area HVAC company and have free consultation with their service and sales technicians. They will evaluate your home to determine the most suitable size unit to meet your requirements. They can also provide information on different energy efficiency ratings and what to look for in a quality unit. They can also explain the cost of installation, and any modifications to your ductwork that may be required. They can also help you understand any rebates for energy that you may be eligible for based upon your choice of air conditioner.
Features
There are many different features that are available in air conditioners and choosing one that can fulfill the features you require is essential. For example if your primary goal is to maintain a high quality indoor air quality, then a model like the Daikin Perfera floor standing or the Ururu Sarara that provide top-quality and even self-cleaning air filters are the units to consider, on the other hand should you be seeking advanced cooling capabilities then a window-mounted unit might be more appropriate for your needs.
A good air conditioner should be able to cool the space evenly without creating cold or hot spots. This is accomplished by the AC’s ducts and fans which help distribute air throughout the room. This is particularly crucial for rooms that are big or have lots of furniture since it helps prevent unbalanced temperatures that can cause discomfort.
The ability of an air conditioner to control humidity is a further important function. A controlled environment is beneficial for your health as it helps reduce mold exposure dust mites, asthma and other asthma-related respiratory issues. A good air conditioning unit will be able to keep the temperature of your home in the range of 30-50%.
When buying an air conditioning unit, energy efficiency is also an important factor to take into consideration. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that help save energy and money over less efficient units. Other options for energy savings include a sleep mode that allows the unit to shut off at specific times during the night and a timer that can be programmed to lets you set the AC to run at certain times of the day when you’re at work or away for the day.
Many modern air conditioners have advanced features like wireless connectivity and remote control through an app that you can download to your smartphone. This is a great option for those who spend a lot of time away from their home and can set the air con to cool down or warm up before returning home.
Installation
A new air conditioner is an enormous 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 service life for your equipment. Additionally numerous states offer tax credits to homeowners who choose to install high-efficiency units.
Calculating the area that needs to be cooled, and then calculating the BTUs that are required for the system is the ideal method to determine which air conditioner to purchase. It is also important to hire a professional to do the installation. This will not only ensure that the system is properly sized, but will it will also safeguard your warranty and save you money over the course of time.
Portable air conditioners are an excellent option for homes that do not have ductwork. They can be vented from on a window, and there are models that are designed to fit double-hung or casement windows. These models are simple to use and can be connected to an electrical outlet. They aren’t as efficient as other types of air conditioning, and you could end up paying more for your cooling.
On the other side, a ductless unit requires extensive work to install. Installers must set up the ductwork and connect it to the new wiring to support your new air cooling system. This type of installation can be more expensive than others however if you are looking to save money on heating and cooling, it may be worth the extra cost.
A ductless system can also be more expensive to maintain, since it’s essential to be on top of regular maintenance. Performing routine tasks like changing the filter, cleaning the condenser coils and vacuuming the drain line will aid in keeping your unit in top working condition.
Check with your local dealers regarding rebates and financing. A lot of manufacturers offer a variety of discounts, particularly during the months of spring and autumn. It is also possible to get a loan with 0% interest to help you pay for the new equipment. It’s also recommended to schedule a yearly inspection to keep your air conditioner operating smoothly for years to be.