How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?

Air conditioners are a major investment for your home. The price of an air conditioner unit is dependent on a variety of factors including its size, energy efficiency, and other features.

It is important to select an air conditioner that is the correct size for your space. This will ensure that the new AC system is efficient and economical.

Size

There are many aspects you need to consider when choosing the best air conditioner to cool your home. These include BTUs, tonnage, efficiency ratings and smart home integration. One of the most important aspects is size. A properly sized air conditioner will ensure that your home stays comfortably cool without consuming energy or causing more expenses.

Many homeowners make the error of assuming that bigger is better when it comes to time to size an air conditioner. In fact, more tonnage can be detrimental. When an AC unit is too small for the space it is cooling, it will cycle on and off frequently, failing to reach the desired temperature. This results in more expensive electricity bills, as well as a poor performance and wear and tear on the equipment.

On the other hand, an over-sized air conditioner will cool the space too quickly and may not dehumidify your surroundings correctly. This could result in a clammy uncomfortable feeling and can encourage the growth of mold or mildew. In addition, the non-stop running of an oversized air conditioner can result in excessive wear and tear and shorten the lifespan of the unit.

To determine the correct size of air conditioner for your home, you’ll need to know the square footage of your home. This information is usually found on the blueprints for your home or can be obtained by a professional. Once you have this information, you can use an online calculator to determine the amount of BTUs required for your home. But, this is an estimate only and it’s recommended to consult with an expert HVAC technician prior to making a decision.

A professional should conduct a Manual J calculation to get the most accurate measurements possible. It is similar to an energy audit and can be performed by an HVAC company or a general contractor. The calculations that are performed will be dependent on the floor space of your house and the amount of sun exposure and the age and quantity of the windows, and other elements. A professional will also consider the type of insulation you have installed in your home and the climate where you live.

Energy Efficiency

Your air conditioning system consumes an enormous amount of energy, so it is important to consider the efficiency ratings when shopping for one. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit which will save you money on your energy bills. You can find 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 Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) is the most important factor in determining an air conditioner’s efficiency. This number shows you how much cooling power the unit will deliver per watt of electricity it consumes in a given year. It is important to note that having a higher SEER rating will come at an upfront cost, but you will eventually be able to recover the initial investment by paying less on your monthly energy bill.

There are other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your AC. You can use a thermostat that you program to run the air conditioner when it is needed. Also, having insulation in your home will help keep your energy costs lower by reducing heat loss and also by preventing air leaks.

Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The more recent R-410A and Puron refrigerants not only have higher efficiency than Freon however they also have a lower impact upon the earth’s ozone layer. Installing solar panels can help offset some of the energy your air conditioner draws from fossil fuels.

To determine the price an air conditioner will cost, go to the local HVAC firm and speak to their experts. They can evaluate your home and recommend the best unit that is suitable for your requirements. They can also explain the various energy efficiency ratings and what to look for in a good quality unit. They can even talk about the cost of installation and any modifications that may need to be made your ductwork. They can also discuss any rebates you could qualify for according to the type of air conditioner you choose.

Features

Air conditioners have various features. It is essential to choose one that offers the features you need. If you are primarily focused on maintaining a healthy 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 could prefer a window-mounted unit if you are looking to get the most advanced cooling.

A good air conditioner should be able to evenly cool the entire room, without creating hot or cold spots. The ducts of the AC, and the fan that circulates air throughout the room, are the key to achieving this. This is particularly important for rooms that are big or have a lot of furniture because it prevents unbalanced temperatures that can cause discomfort.

Another crucial function of an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity. A controlled environment is beneficial for your health as it can reduce the risk of exposure to mold dust mites, asthma and other asthma-related respiratory issues. A good air conditioning system will be able to keep the temperature of your home between 30-50 percent.

When buying a new air conditioning unit energy efficiency is a major factor to consider. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that save energy and money over less efficient models. Other features that save energy include a sleep option that allows the unit to shut off at certain times at night and a timer that can be programmed that allows you to set the AC to run at certain times when you are working or away for the day.

A lot of modern air conditioners include sophisticated features, including wireless connectivity and remote control access through an app on your mobile device. This is a great choice for those who often away from their property and can set the air conditioner to cool down or warm before getting home.

Installation

A new air conditioner is a big purchase and it’s essential to select the best unit for your home. A high-efficiency model will reduce cooling costs and extend the life of your equipment. Many states offer tax credits to homeowners who choose to install high efficiency units.

Calculating the area to be cooled and then calculating the BTUs that are required for the system is the most effective method to determine which air conditioner unit to purchase. It is also essential to hire an expert to complete the installation. Not only does this ensure that the system is correctly measured as well, but it will also help to protect the warranty and save you money in the long term.

If you live in a home without ductwork portable air conditioners are an ideal alternative. These air conditioners can be vented through windows and some models are made to fit double-hung or casement windows. These models are simple to operate and can be plugged into an electrical outlet. However, they’re not as energy-efficient as other air conditioners, which means you could end up paying more for your cooling bill.

On the other hand, a ductless system requires extensive renovation to install. The installer will need to add an additional thermostat, set up ductwork and wires to enable the operation of the new air conditioning unit. This kind of installation is typically more expensive than other options, however it’s worth the extra expense when you’re looking to cut down on cooling and heating costs.

It is more costly to maintain a ductless system, because it is essential to perform regular maintenance. Routine maintenance, such as changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe, and cleaning the condenser can keep your unit working properly.

Ask your local dealer for rebates and financing. A lot of manufacturers offer discounts, particularly during the spring and fall. You could also think about a loan with 0% interest to help pay for the new equipment. It is also recommended to schedule an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly for the years to be.