We love our Central Air Conditioning Systems and when they stop working, panic sets in as we go about the process of repair only to find that a new unit is required. It’s important that as you begin the search for a new unit, you consult an expert to make sure you are getting the right AC unit for your money. Several factors such as contractor costs, tax credits, size, brand, and warranties play an important role in determining the cost of a new AC unit.
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Size
In order to determine the proper size for the new AC unit, you must determine the capacity or BTU’s per hour that the unit must cool. British Thermal Units (BTU’s) are the amount of energy needed to cool or heat one pound of water by a Fahrenheit. Most home improvement stores will have charts that you can reference for these figures or you can always find it online. If your home is less than 700 sq. ft., you might be better off using a window unit. If your home is 1,500 sq. ft. or larger, then you will definitely want to go with a central heating and air conditioning system. Note that the existing air conditioning unit may not be the proper unit, which is why consulting a professional is so important. To get the best performance from your AC unit, it must be the right size for the area it will cool or heat.
Brand Name
Brand names control much of the costs of our everyday products and they are no different in the HVAC world. Costs for air conditioning unit vary per brand. The average cost for an Amana AC unit is $2,600 while the average costs for a Whirlpool is $1,900. This is not to say that one is inferior to another, just that they differ, so you might want to look as several brand options. Make sure you compare things like the BTU’s covered, the warranty included, and the expected life cycle.
Warranties
Warranties also play an important role in the cost of an air conditioning system. Warranties can vary from 5 to 10 or more years and in many cases you can pay for extended warranty. There are also programs that offer home warranties that cover replacement or repair costs for major appliances such as AC unites which could be a monthly or yearly expense. All these costs would be an added expense for the HVAC system. Be sure you register any warranty that is included with your original purchase to make sure you get the coverage you paid for.
Contractor's Cost
Aside from the AC unit cost, the contractor costs are the most expensive costs associated with replacing or purchasing an air conditioning system. Contractor costs can vary based on the extent of the work needed. Make sure you understand what your home needs. For instance, if your home needs ductwork in addition to the installation your labor and materials will be a little higher than a household who only needs to replace the unit.
The one factor to consider when purchasing a new AC system that is always a benefit is the tax or energy credits available. Incentives are offered to homeowners to purchase energy efficient appliances. One of these incentives is for the HVAC unit. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) has set standards defining qualified energy efficient purchases and the IRS will issue tax credits when you purchase a unit within these standards. These standards are based on the Energy Efficient Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) ratings. These ratings are determined by taking the cooling output divide by the rate of energy input overall with the seasonal calculation looking specifically at the winter months. Understanding the ratings and capacity for AC unit you are purchasing will ensure that you get the least expensive unit with the most benefits for your money.
AC units are one of the most important investments you can make in a home. Knowing the factors that make up the cost can help homeowners make the best decision for their home. Your local HVAC professional is trained to know each of these factors and the products available. They can help you make the best decision for your home.