How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?

Air conditioners are a major investment for your home. The cost varies greatly based on several factors including size, energy efficiency and features.

The air conditioning system you choose should be the right size for your space. This will ensure that your new AC system is both efficient and economical.

Size

When it comes down to selecting the best air conditioner for your home, there are many aspects to consider – from BTUs and tons to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important elements to consider is size. The correct size air conditioner will ensure that your home remains at a comfortable temperature without consuming your energy or increasing the cost of your home.

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that larger is better when it comes to time to measure the size of their air conditioner. In reality, a larger capacity isn’t always better. When an AC unit is not large enough for the area it is cooling it will turn off and on frequently, failing to reach the desired temperature. This leads to higher electricity bills, as well as less performance and wear and tear on the equipment.

A huge air conditioner will cool the space too quickly, and could not be able to dehumidify it correctly. This can cause a clammy uncomfortable sensation and encourage the growth of mold or mildew. The non-stop operation of an air conditioner that is too big can cause excessive wear and tear, which can reduce the unit’s life expectancy.

It is essential to be aware of the square footage of your home to determine the appropriate size air conditioner for your home. This information can be found on the blueprints of your home or by an expert. Once you have this information, you can use an online calculator to determine the number of BTUs required for your home. This is only an estimate, and it’s recommended to speak with a professional HVAC technician for a more accurate calculation.

To get the most accurate measurement possible, a professional should carry out what is known as a Manual J calculation. This is similar to an energy audit of your home and can be done by an HVAC company or a general contractor or even an inspector of your home. The calculations will be determined by the floor area of your home and the amount of sunlight exposure, the number and age of the windows, and other elements. A professional will also consider the type of insulation that you have installed in your home as well as the climate where you live.

Energy Efficiency

Your air conditioning system consumes a large amount of energy, which is why it is important to consider the efficiency ratings when looking for one. A higher SEER rating is a more efficient unit that will save you money on your utility bills. You can find this information by looking for the label “energy star” or by asking your HVAC professional to assess your home and recommend a higher efficiency model.

The most crucial aspect of the efficiency of an air conditioner is its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This figure tells you how much cooling it can provide per watt of energy it uses in a specific year. A higher SEER rating will come at a cost upfront however, you’ll eventually recover that investment by paying less monthly on your energy bill.

There are many other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your AC unit. You can use a thermostat that you can program to only run the conditioner when it is needed. Insulation in your home can help you save money on energy costs by stopping 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 more recent R-410A or Puron refrigerants are more efficient than Freon and have a lower impact on the ozone layer of the earth. Installing solar panels can help offset some of the energy your air conditioner consumes from 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 sales and service technicians. They can assess your home to determine the most suitable size unit for your needs. They can also explain different energy efficiency ratings, and what to look for in a quality unit. They can also walk about the cost of installation and any changes that might require to be made to your ductwork. They can also discuss any rebates you might be eligible for, depending on the type of air conditioning you choose.

Features

Air conditioners come with various features. It is crucial to choose one that offers the functions you need. For instance, if your main goal is to ensure good indoor air quality then a model like the Daikin Perfera floor standing or the Ururu Sarara that offer high-quality and even self-cleaning air filters are the models you should be considering however, if you’re looking for a more advanced cooling capability then a window mounted unit may be more suitable for your needs.

A good air conditioner should be able cool the room evenly without creating cold or hot spots. This is made possible by the AC’s ducts and fan that to distribute air throughout the room. This is important for large rooms or those with furniture, as it prevents the spread of temperatures, which could be uncomfortable.

Another important purpose of an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity. Having an environment with regulated humidity is beneficial to your health as it can reduce the risk of exposure to mold, dust mites, heat strokes and asthma-related respiratory problems. A good air conditioning unit should be able to maintain the temperature of your home between 30-50%.

When you are buying a new air conditioning unit, energy efficiency is also an important factor to take into consideration. Energy Star-certified models meet efficiency standards that help save electricity and money versus less efficient units. Other energy-saving features include a sleep option that allows the unit to turn off at specific times of the night and a programmable clock that lets you set the AC to run during specific periods of time when you are at work or away during the day.

A lot of modern air conditioners feature sophisticated features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity as well as remote control through an app on your phone. This is a great option for those who are often away from their home and can set up the air conditioning to cool down or warm up prior to arriving.

Installation

A new air conditioner is a significant purchase and it’s essential to select the best unit for your home. A high-efficiency model will lower cooling costs and extend the life of your equipment. Additionally numerous states offer tax credits to homeowners who purchase high-efficiency appliances.

Calculating the area to be cooled, and then calculating the BTUs that are required for the system is the ideal method to determine the best air conditioner unit to purchase. It is also crucial to employ an expert to complete the installation. This will not only guarantee that the system is correctly sized, but it will also safeguard your warranty and help you save money in the long run.

For homes without ductwork, a portable air conditioner is a great option. They can be vented from 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. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as other air conditioners, so you may end up paying more for cooling.

A ductless system on the other hand requires extensive work to install. The installer needs to install a new thermostat, install ductwork and wiring to ensure the operation of the new air conditioning unit. This kind of installation could be more expensive than other but if you’re looking to save money on heating and cooling it could be worth the extra expense.

A ductless system may be more costly to maintain, since it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance. Conducting routine tasks such as changing the filter and cleaning the condenser coils and vacuuming the drain line will assist in keeping your system in good condition.

Check with your local dealers about rebates and financing. A lot of manufacturers offer a variety of discounts, particularly in the months of spring and autumn. You can also look into the possibility of a zero-interest loan to pay for the purchase of your new equipment. You should also plan an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner is running smoothly for the years to come.