How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
An air conditioner unit is an investment in your home that is significant. The price varies considerably depending on several factors including the 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 efficient and economical.
Size
When it comes to choosing the ideal air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of factors to take into consideration – from BTUs and tons to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. But one of the most important factors is size. The right size air conditioner can keep your home comfortable without wasting energy or causing more costs.
Most homeowners believe that bigger is always better when it comes to the size of an air conditioner. In fact, more tonnage can actually be counterproductive. If an AC unit is too large for the room it is cooling it, the AC will be off and on frequently but not reach the temperature that is desired. This leads to higher electricity bills, and also poor performance and wear and tear on the equipment.
On the other hand, an oversized air conditioner can chill the room too quickly and could not dehumidify the environment effectively. This could result in an unpleasant clammy sensation and can encourage the growth of mold or mildew. Additionally, the continuous running of an over-sized air conditioner can result in excessive wear and tear and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
To determine the proper air conditioner size for your home, you’ll must know the square footage of your home. This information is usually found on the blueprints of your home or can be obtained from a professional. Once you have the information you can make use of an online calculator to calculate the number of BTUs required for your home. This is only an estimation, and it’s recommended to speak with an experienced HVAC technician for a more accurate calculation.
To get the most accurate measurement professionals should conduct what is known as a Manual J calculation. This is similar to an energy audit of your home and is performed by an HVAC company, a general contractor, or even a home inspector. The calculations that are performed will be based on the floor area of your house, the amount of sunlight exposure as well as the age and number of the windows, and other aspects. A professional will also take into account the type of insulation that you have installed in your house and the climate in which you live.
Energy Efficiency
The air conditioning system you have an enormous amount of energy, so it is crucial to look at the efficiency ratings when you shop for one. A higher SEER rating indicates a more efficient unit that will help you save money on your utility bills. You can locate this information by searching for the label “energy star” or 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 figure tells you how much cooling it will provide per watt of energy it uses during a particular year. It is important to remember that a higher SEER rating does have an initial cost however, you will eventually recover the initial investment by paying less on your energy bill each month.
There are many other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your AC unit. You can use an adjustable thermostat that you program to only run the air conditioner when it is needed. Also, having insulation in your home will aid in keeping your energy costs lower by reducing heat loss and also by keeping air leaks out.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The more recent R-410A and Puron refrigerants have a greater efficiency than Freon, but also have a less negative impact on the earth’s protective ozone layer. In addition, you can install solar panels on your house to offset some of the energy that your air conditioner draws from traditional fossil fuels.
The best way to figure out the price an air conditioner will cost is to visit an area HVAC company and get an appointment for a no-cost consultation with their sales and service technicians. They can assess your home to determine the most suitable size unit to meet your needs. They can also explain the various energy efficiency ratings and what you should 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 talk about any energy rebates you may be eligible for based on the air conditioner you select.
Features
There are numerous features available in air conditioners and choosing a unit that has the functions you require is crucial. If you are primarily concerned about maintaining the quality of your indoor air, then you should consider units such as the Daikin Perfera or Ururu Sarara, which offer top-quality air filters, and even self-cleaning models. On the other hand, you might prefer an air conditioner that is mounted on windows if you want to achieve advanced cooling.
A good air conditioner unit should be able to evenly cool the entire room, without creating hot or cold spots. The AC’s ducts, as well as the fan that circulates air throughout the room, make this possible. This is especially crucial for rooms that are big or have a lot of furniture as it helps prevent the spread of temperatures that could cause discomfort.
Another crucial function of an air conditioning unit is its ability to control humidity. A controlled environment is beneficial for your health, as it helps reduce mold exposure, dust mites and asthmatic conditions like asthma. A good air conditioner must be able to keep your home’s temperature between 30-50%.
Efficiency in energy is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that help save electricity and money versus less efficient models. Other options for energy savings include a sleep mode that allows the unit to be shut off at certain time of night and a timer that can be programmed to lets you set the AC to run at specific periods of the day, whether you’re at work or away for the day.
Many modern air conditioners have advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity as well as remote control through an app on your smartphone. This is an excellent option for those who often away from their home and can set the air conditioner to cool down or warm up before returning home.
Installation
It is crucial to choose the best air conditioner for your home. A high-efficiency model will lower cooling costs and extend the life of your equipment. Additionally several states offer tax credits to homeowners who choose to install high-efficiency units.
The best method to determine the correct size of an air conditioner is to calculate the square feet of space will be cooled and using that information to find the correct BTUs needed for the system. In addition, it is essential to have a professional do the installation. This will not only ensure that the system has been correctly sized, but it will also safeguard your warranty and save you money over the course of time.
If you live in a home without ductwork an air conditioner that is portable is an ideal alternative. They can be vented through 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 plugged into an electrical outlet. They are not as energy efficient as other kinds of air conditioning, and you could end up paying more for your cooling.
On the other hand, a ductless system requires extensive renovation to be installed. The installer will need to add an additional thermostat, set up ductwork, and then run new wiring to support the operation of your new air conditioning unit. This type of installation can be more expensive than other types but if you’re looking to save money on heating and cooling, it may be worth the extra cost.
It can be more costly to maintain a ductless system, because it is important to conduct regular maintenance. Routine maintenance such as changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe and cleaning the condenser will help keep your unit working properly.
Contact your local dealer for rebates and financing. Many manufacturers offer discounts, particularly during the spring and fall. It is also possible to get a loan with 0% interest to help you buy your new equipment. It’s also a good idea to schedule an annual inspection to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for many years to be.