Installing a new air conditioner is often a bittersweet experience. While it is exciting to know that you are in for higher quality comfort in your home, the cost alone is enough to bring on some anxiety and frustration.
One of the best ways to save money on your AC installation is to plan ahead. If you know that you have an older HVAC unit and it has been encountering more frequent issues, then replacement is probably near. Instead of waiting for it to fail, consider replacing it ahead of time. This way you have time to save up money and look for an excellent company to complete the installation.
For quality Desoto air conditioning and heating installation, give Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating a call at 469-557-2703.
Continue reading for five factors that can affect the cost of your AC installation.
1. Type of AC System
There are all kinds of air conditioning systems available. Ductless mini-splits, packaged units, window air conditioners and central units are only a few of the different kinds of AC systems. A large fraction of the installation cost will be based on what kind of unit you choose.
Some homes will require packaged or central HVAC systems due to their size. While other, smaller homes can use window units or ductless mini-splits. You will also have to choose what brand of air conditioner you want. Some AC brands, such as Lennox products and Trane, offer durable and long-lasting systems with high efficiency. However, these come at a higher price. Goodman and Ameristar are examples of some lower cost brands that offer moderate durability and lifespan.
If you aren’t sure what kind of unit you need or what brand you should choose, talk to your HVAC technician.
2. Size of the Unit
Before an HVAC system is installed, the technician will size the unit. This means that they will calculate how much heating and cooling power you need in a system based on the size of your home and household needs. This is one of the most important steps of any AC replacement. If the system is too big then your bills will substantially increase. If the system is too small then your home won’t be efficiently cooled.
Although you don’t really get to choose what size unit you need, it will factor into the total cost. Expect to pay more for a unit and installation if you have a larger home. To get an accurate estimate, have an HVAC contractor come to your home and complete a system sizing for you.
3. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Higher efficiency systems are better for your home and wallet. When a system is more efficient, it will last longer, lower your energy bills and cost you fewer repairs. The way to determine the efficiency of a system is through the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).
The minimum SEER rating is 13 and the maximum is around 25. Although 13 may be the minimum, it does not mean that an AC unit with a 13 SEER rating is low quality. Think about it this way: an AC unit purchased 20 years ago probably has a SEER rating of 8 or 9. All that has happened is that standards have gone up, making the minimum SEER rating much higher than it used to be.
One of the best ways to quickly filter through systems is to look for an Energy Star label. Air conditioners can only qualify for an Energy Star if they have a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. Contact your local HVAC technician for more information on Energy Star systems.
4. Accessory Component Installations
The sky’s the limit when it comes to air conditioner installations. There are many other accessory components that you can install at the same time as your air conditioner. Here are a few:
- Whole house, ultraviolet purifier or de/humidifier
- Smart thermostat that wirelessly connects to your smartphone
- Temperature zoning thermostat
These are excellent additions to any heating and cooling system. Add-ons such as purifiers and dehumidifiers can substantially increase the indoor air quality of your home. Installing a smart thermostat can make your life much easier with the ability to change your home’s temperature from your phone.
Temperature zoning is an especially great investment. When you use temperature zoning, you can preset temperatures throughout the day. For example, in the summer you may preset your thermostat to increase during the day while you are at work and then to lower for when you are home. Not only do the preset temperatures and times make things more convenient, it also saves you money.
5. Ductwork and Ventilation
Inefficient ductwork and ventilation can send an HVAC installation bill skyrocketing. When you get an HVAC system installed, the technician will most likely check out your ductwork and ventilation as well. If the ductwork system is old it may require new insulation or even a new pathway. This can cause a substantial increase in your cost.
Some homeowners need a new air conditioner installed because they have put an addition onto their home. If this is the case then you will definitely need to get your ductwork pathway redone and new vents installed. If you aren’t sure of the condition of your ductwork and ventilation, call an HVAC repairman.
While, in most cases, new ductwork is an unforeseen added expense, some homeowners choose to get it replaced. This is especially common in older homes. Getting your ductwork and your air conditioner installed at the same time can actually save you money rather than doing one at a time. If you know you want to eventually get your ductwork replaced, consider scheduling it at the same time as your HVAC replacement.
Reliable AC Repair: Desoto, TX
The most important part of any air conditioner installation is hiring the right company. For all of your Desoto air conditioner and heating needs, contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Our team of expert technicians are ready to help get the job done right the first time.
To schedule HVAC or plumbing service, give our team a call at 469-557-2703 or contact us online.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.