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 the size, energy efficiency and features.

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

Size

When it comes to selecting the right air conditioner for your home, there are a myriad of factors to consider – from BTUs and tonnage, to efficiency ratings and smart home connectivity. One of the most important elements to consider is size. The right size air conditioner can keep your home cool without wasting energy or adding costs.

Many homeowners make the error of assuming that larger is better when it comes to time to measure the size of their air conditioner. In reality, having more capacity could be detrimental. If an AC unit is too big for the room it’s cooling it, the AC will turn off and on frequently but not reach the temperature that is desired. This leads to higher electricity bills as well as poorer performance and wear and tears on the equipment.

On the other hand, an over-sized air conditioner can chill the room too quickly and could not dehumidify the environment correctly. This could result in a clammy uncomfortable feeling and can encourage the growth of mold or mildew. The continuous operation of an air conditioner that is too big can result in excessive wear and tear, which can reduce the life expectancy of the unit.

You need to be aware of the square footage of your home to determine the proper size of air conditioner for your home. This information is usually found on the blueprints of your home or can be obtained by a professional. Once you have this information, you can use an online calculator to estimate the amount of BTUs needed for your home. This is only an estimate, and it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician for a more accurate calculation.

To get the most precise measurement possible, a professional should perform what is known as a Manual J calculation. It is similar to an energy audit, and is usually performed by an HVAC company or a general contractor. Calculations are made based on factors such as the size of your home and how much sun is exposed to it, the amount of windows and their age, and many more. A professional will also take into account the kind of insulation you have installed in your house and the climate in which you live.

Energy Efficiency

When shopping for an air conditioner, it is essential to consider the efficiency ratings. A higher SEER rating indicates the energy efficiency of the unit that will help you save money. You can locate this information by looking for the label “energy star” or by asking your HVAC professional to examine your home and recommend a high efficiency model.

The most important aspect of an air conditioner’s efficiency is its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This figure tells you how much cooling the unit can provide per watt of energy it uses in a given year. It is important to note that a higher SEER rating does require an upfront expense however, you will eventually be able to recover the initial investment by paying less on your energy bill each month.

There are other methods to increase the efficiency of your AC. You can set a thermostat that you program to only run the air conditioner when it is necessary. Insulation within your home can help you save money on energy bills by stopping heat loss and lessening 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 have a higher efficiency than Freon and have a lower impact upon the earth’s ozone layer that protects it. Installing solar panels can offset a portion of the energy your air conditioner draws from fossil fuels.

To find out how much an air conditioner will cost, go to a local HVAC firm and talk to their experts. They will assess your home and recommend a new unit that is appropriate for your needs. They can also provide information on different energy efficiency ratings, and what to look out for in a high-quality unit. They can even talk about the cost of installation as well as any adjustments that may need to be made to your ductwork. They can also talk about any rebates for energy that you may be eligible for based upon the type of air conditioner you choose.

Features

Air conditioners are equipped with many features. It is important to choose one that offers the functions you need. For instance, if your main aim is to maintain the quality of your indoor air, then a unit such as the Daikin Perfera floor standing or the Ururu Sarara which offer top-quality and even self-cleaning air filters are units you should consider however, if you’re looking for advanced cooling capabilities then a window-mounted unit may be more suitable for your requirements.

A high-quality air conditioner should be able to evenly cool the entire room, without creating hot or cold spots. This is accomplished by the AC’s ducts as well as the fan which help distribute air throughout the room. This is especially important in rooms that are large or have lots of furniture because it helps to prevent uneven temperatures that can cause discomfort.

Another important function of an air conditioning unit is its ability to regulate humidity. Being in a space with regulated humidity is beneficial to your health because it helps reduce mold exposure, dust mites, heat strokes, and respiratory conditions like asthma. A good air conditioning system is required to keep the temperature of your home between 30 and 50%.

When purchasing a new air conditioner, energy efficiency is also a major factor to consider. The ENERGY STAR-certified models comply with efficiency standards that save electricity and money versus less efficient models. Other options for energy savings include a sleep mode, which lets the unit shut off at specific times during the night and a timer with programmable settings that allows you to set the AC to run at specific periods of the day, whether you’re at work or away for the day.

A lot of modern air conditioners have advanced features, like wireless connectivity and remote control access via an app on your mobile device. This is a great choice for those who frequently away from their home and can set up the air conditioner to cool down or heat up prior to arriving.

Installation

It’s important to select the correct air conditioner for your home. A high-efficiency model will reduce cooling costs and prolong the lifespan of your equipment. Many states also offer tax credits to homeowners who have high-efficiency units.

Calculating the area that needs to be cooled and then calculating the BTUs that are required for the system is the best way to determine which 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 save you money over the course of time.

For homes without ductwork, portable air conditioners are an ideal alternative. 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, which means you may end up paying more for cooling.

A ductless system, however, requires extensive renovations to install. Installers must set up ductwork and wires to support the new air conditioning unit. This kind of installation may be more expensive than other however if you are looking to save money on cooling and heating, it may be worth the extra expense.

A ductless system may be more expensive to maintain, since it’s important to maintain regular maintenance. Routine maintenance such as changing the filter, cleaning the drain pipe and cleaning the condenser will keep your system operating properly.

Check with your local dealers for rebates and financing. Many manufacturers offer discounts, particularly in the fall and spring. It is also possible to get an unsecured loan with no interest to help pay for the new equipment. It’s also recommended to schedule an annual inspection to keep your air conditioner in good working order for years to come.