How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
Air conditioners are an important investment for your home. The cost varies greatly based on various factors like size, energy efficiency, and features.
It is important to select an air conditioning system that is of the appropriate size for the space you have. This will ensure your new AC system is efficient and cost-effective.
Size
When it comes to selecting the best air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of factors to consider including BTUs and tons to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important elements to consider is size. The right size air conditioner will ensure that your home stays comfortable without draining your energy or increasing the cost of your home.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that bigger is always better when it comes to sizing an air conditioner. In reality, more tonnage is counterproductive. If an AC unit is too small for the area it is cooling, it will cycle on and off frequently, but not reach the desired temperature. This results in higher electricity costs as well as lower performance and wear and tear on the equipment.
On the other hand, an over-sized air conditioner will cool the space too quickly and could not dehumidify the surroundings properly. This could result in a clammy uncomfortable sensation and encourage the growth of mildew or mold. In addition, the non-stop running of an oversized air conditioner can cause excessive wear and tear, and reduce the lifespan of the unit.
It is essential to be aware of the square footage of your house to determine the appropriate size air conditioner for your home. This information is usually located on the blueprints for your home or can be obtained by a professional. Once you have this information you can make use of an online calculator to determine the number of BTUs needed for your home. This is just an estimation, and it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician to make a more accurate calculation.
A professional should conduct a Manual J calculation to get the most accurate measurements possible. This is similar to an energy audit of your home and is performed by an HVAC company or a general contractor or even a home inspector. The calculations that are performed will be determined by the floor area of your house, the amount of sun exposure, the number and age of windows, and other aspects. A professional will also take into consideration the kind of insulation you have installed in your home as well as the climate you live in.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an air conditioner it is essential to take a look at the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating signifies an energy-efficient model, which will save you money. You can find this information by searching for the energy star label or by asking your HVAC expert to evaluate your home and recommend a high efficiency model.
The Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) is the most important factor in determining the effectiveness of an air conditioner. This figure tells you how much cooling it will deliver per Watt of electricity consumed in a specific year. A higher SEER rating comes with an upfront cost but you’ll eventually be able to recoup the investment by paying less monthly on your energy bill.
There are other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your AC. You can utilize a thermostat that you program to only run the conditioner when it is necessary. Insulation in your home can also aid in saving money on your energy bills by blocking heat loss and the reduction of air leaks.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The newer R-410A and Puron refrigerants not only have higher efficiency than Freon and have a lower impact upon the earth’s ozone layer that protects it. Installing solar panels can offset some of the energy that your air conditioner uses from fossil fuels.
To determine how much an air conditioner is going to cost, you should visit an local HVAC firm and speak with their technicians. They can assess your home and suggest a new unit that is the right size for your needs. They can also explain different energy efficiency ratings, and what to look out for in a high-quality unit. They can also provide information on the cost of installation and any modifications to your ductwork that may be required. They can also talk about any energy rebates you may be eligible for based on the type of air conditioner you choose.
Features
Air conditioners have many features. It is important to select one that has the features you require. If you’re focused on maintaining good indoor air quality then you should think about models such as the Daikin Perfera or Ururu Sarara that have premium air filters as well as self-cleaning ones. On the other hand, you may prefer an air conditioner that is mounted on windows if you want to achieve advanced cooling.
A reputable air conditioner must be able cool the room evenly without creating cold or hot spots. The AC’s ducts, as well as the fan that distributes air throughout the room, are the key to achieving this. This is particularly important in rooms that are large or contain a lot of furniture as it prevents uneven temperatures that can cause discomfort.
The capacity of an air conditioner to regulate humidity is a further important function. Being in a space with regulated humidity is beneficial for your health because it helps reduce mold exposure, dust mites, heat strokes and respiratory diseases like asthma. A reputable air conditioner should be able to keep your home’s temperature between 30-50 percent.
Energy efficiency is another important consideration when buying a new air conditioner. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that help save energy and money over less efficient units. Other energy-saving options include a sleep mode, that allows the unit to be shut off at certain times during the night and a programmable timer that allows you to set the AC to run at specific periods of the day, whether you’re at work or out for the day.
A lot of modern air conditioners include advanced features, like the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and remote access through an app on your mobile device. This is a great choice for those who spend a lot of time away from their property and can set the air conditioner to cool down or warm up prior to arriving home.
Installation
A new air conditioner is an enormous purchase and it’s essential to choose the right unit for your home. A high-efficiency model can cut down on the cost of cooling and increase the life of your equipment. Many states also offer tax credits to homeowners who choose to install high efficiency units.
The most effective method of determining the right air conditioning unit size is by calculating the square feet of space will be cooled, and then using that data to calculate the correct BTUs needed to run the system. It’s also important to hire a professional to do the installation. This will not only ensure that the system has been properly sized, but will also protect your warranty and save you money over the course of time.
Portable air conditioners are a great alternative for homes with no ductwork. These air conditioners can be vented through windows and some models are designed to fit casement or double-hung windows. These models are easy-to-use and can be connected to an electrical outlet. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as other air conditioners, so you may end up paying more for cooling.
A ductless system however, requires extensive work to install. Installers have to install ductwork and wires to support your new air conditioner. This type of installation can be more expensive than other, but if you want to save money on heating and cooling it could be worth the extra expense.
A ductless system may be more costly to maintain, as it’s important to be on top of regular maintenance. Conducting routine tasks such as changing the filter or cleaning the condenser coils and cleaning the drain line help to keep your unit in top working condition.
If you’re considering purchasing an air conditioner be sure to inquire with your local dealer for rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers offer a variety of discounts, particularly in the fall and spring. It is also possible to get a loan with 0% interest to purchase the new equipment. It is also recommended to plan an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner will run smoothly for the years to be.