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 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 cost.
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How Much Does a New AC Unit Cost?
Size Can Affect AC Unit Costs
In order to determine the proper size for the new AC unit, you must determine the capacity or BTUs. British Thermal Units (BTU’s) are the amount of energy needed to cool or heat one pound of water by Fahrenheit. 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 want to go with a heat pump or HVAC 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 cost 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 at several options. Make sure you compare things like the BTU’s covered, the warranty included, and the expected life cycle.
Warranties and AC Unit Cost
HVAC Warranties also play an important role in the cost of an air conditioning system. Warranties can vary from 5 to 10 or more years. In many cases you can pay for an extended warranty. There are also programs that offer home warranties that cover replacement or repair costs for AC units; 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.
Tax or Energy Credits
The one factor to consider when purchasing a new AC system is the tax or energy credits available. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) has set standards defining qualified energy-efficient purchases. 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 divided by the rate of energy input overall with the seasonal calculation. Understanding the ratings and capacity 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 homes. We can help you make the best decision for your home.