How Much Does an Air Conditioner Unit Cost?
An air conditioner unit is a substantial home investment. The price of an air conditioner is dependent on a variety of factors including its size as well as energy efficiency and features.
The air conditioning system you select should be sized correctly to your space. This will ensure that your new AC system is efficient and economical.
Size
When it comes down to selecting the ideal air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of factors to take into consideration including BTUs and tons to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. But one of the most important aspects is size. A properly sized air conditioner will ensure that your home remains at a comfortable temperature without draining your energy or causing more expenses.
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that larger is better when it comes time to measure the size of their air conditioner. In reality, a larger capacity isn’t always better. If an AC unit is too large for the room it is cooling it, the AC will be on and off frequently but not reach the temperature that is desired. This results in more expensive electricity bills as well as poorer performance and wear and tear on the equipment.
A huge air conditioner will cool the space too quickly, and might not be able to dehumidify the space effectively. This could result in an unpleasant clammy sensation and may promote the growth of mildew or mold. In addition, the non-stop running of a large air conditioner can cause excessive wear and tear and shorten the lifespan of the unit.
You need to be aware of the square footage of your home in order to determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home. This information can be found on the plans of your home or from a professional. Once you have the data, you can use a calculator on the internet to determine the number of BTUs you require for your home. This is only an estimate, and it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician to get a more precise calculation.
To get the most accurate measurement, a professional should carry out what is called a Manual J calculation. This is similar to an energy audit of your home. It can be performed by an HVAC company or a general contractor or even a home inspector. The calculations will be determined by the floor area of your house and the amount of sun exposure as well as the age and number of the windows, and other factors. The experts will also take into consideration the type of insulation installed in your home, and the climate you live in.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an air conditioner it is important to look at the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating signifies the energy efficiency of the unit that will help you save money. You can locate this information by searching for the label “energy star” or by asking your HVAC professional to assess your home and recommend a high efficiency model.
The most important factor in the efficiency of an air conditioner is its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This number tells you how much cooling it can provide over the course of a year per watt of electricity that it consumes. It is important to note that an SEER rating higher than the norm will have an initial cost however, you will eventually be able to recover the initial investment by paying less for your monthly energy bill.
There are also other ways to improve the efficiency of your AC unit. You can set an adjustable thermostat that you program to only run the conditioning when it is required. Also having insulation in your home will aid in keeping your energy costs down by reducing the loss of heat and by keeping air leaks out.
Another way to increase your air conditioning’s efficiency is to switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The latest R-410A and Puron refrigerants have a greater efficiency than Freon, but also have a less negative impact on the earth’s ozone layer. Lastly, you can install solar panels at your home to help offset some of the energy that your air conditioner consumes from fossil fuels.
The best way to determine the price an air conditioner will cost is to visit a local HVAC company and get a free consultation with their sales and service technicians. They will evaluate your home to determine the best size unit for your requirements. They can also explain the different energy efficiency ratings and what to look for in a quality unit. They can also explain the costs of installation and any modifications to your ductwork that may be required. They can also discuss any rebates on energy you might be eligible for based upon the air conditioner you select.
Features
There are a variety of features that are available in air conditioners, and selecting a unit that has the features you require is essential. If you are primarily focused on maintaining a healthy indoor air quality, then you should consider units such as the Daikin Perfera or Ururu Sarara that have high-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 are looking to get the most advanced cooling.
A good air conditioner unit will be able to evenly cool the entire room without causing hot or cold spots. This is made possible by the AC’s ducts and fans which help distribute air throughout the room. This is crucial for large rooms or those with furniture, as it prevents the spread of temperatures, which could be uncomfortable.
Another major function of an air conditioning unit is its ability to regulate humidity. A regulated environment is good for your health as it helps reduce mold exposure dust mites, asthma and other respiratory conditions such as asthma. A reputable air conditioner should be able to keep the temperature of your home between 30 and 50%.
When you are buying an air conditioning unit energy efficiency is an important factor to take into consideration. Energy Star-certified models meet efficiency standards that help save energy and money over less efficient units. Other options for energy savings include a sleep mode which lets the unit turn off at certain time of night and a programmable timer that lets you set the AC to run at specific times of day when you’re at work or out for the day.
A lot of modern air conditioners come with smart features, such as Wi-Fi compatibility and remote control access via an app on your mobile device. This is a great choice for those who are often away from their homes and can arrange the air conditioning to cool down or warm up prior to their arrival.
Installation
It’s important to select the best air conditioner for your home. A high-efficiency model will reduce cooling costs and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Additionally numerous states offer tax credits for homeowners who choose to install high-efficiency units.
The best way to determine the proper air conditioning unit size is to calculate the amount of square feet that the space will be cooled, then using that information to find the proper BTUs to run the system. It is also crucial to employ a professional to do the installation. This will not only guarantee that the system is properly sized, but will also help protect your warranty and save you money over time.
Portable air conditioners are a fantastic choice for homes without ductwork. These air conditioners can be vented through a window and some models are designed to fit casement or double-hung windows. These models are simple to use and can be plugged in to an electrical outlet. However they’re not as efficient as other air conditioners, so you could pay more for your cooling bill.
On the other the other hand, a ductless system requires a significant renovation in order to install. The installer will need to add a new thermostat, install ductwork, and then run new wires to enable the operation of your new air conditioning unit. This type of installation can be more expensive than other options, but it could be worth the additional expense in the event that you want to reduce your cooling and heating expenses.
It can be more costly to maintain a ductless system, because it is important to perform regular maintenance. Routine maintenance, such as changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe and cleaning the condenser will keep your system running smoothly.
If you’re planning to purchase a new air conditioning unit be sure to inquire with your local dealer for rebates and financing options. Many manufacturers offer discounts, particularly in the fall and spring. You could also consider a 0% interest loan to cover the cost of your new equipment. You should also plan an annual inspection to ensure that your air conditioner will run smoothly for the years to be.