What do air conditioners cost

In those instances, electrical modifications are necessary to ensure that your new system runs smoothly. High-voltage work often requires a state-licensed electrician to perform. Without this licensure and the knowledge required to obtain it, you risk both the quality and efficiency of your installation and air conditioning system.

Air conditioners also remove moisture from the air when they run. This moisture is condensed into water, which needs to be drained. This condensate runs to a floor drain, sump pump or approved standpipe. Sometimes obstructions stop this process. In that situation, a condensate pump would be required to pump the condensate to the proper drain. Make sure you discuss whether or not you'll need one with your HVAC partner in order to properly adjust your budget. Failure to comply with any of the necessary processes required by local codes, the manufacture, and industry standards can only lead to high energy bills, discomfort, and a drastically shortened life expectancy of the equipment.

As a result, you could end up paying more than you planned to. Local utility rebates may be available on multiple types of furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, and heat pumps, some of which include full system installations. Product manufacturers will occasionally have product rebates available.

These rebates are usually on full system installations and require the thermostat to be installed with the system. These digital, programmable thermostats can also save on energy usage by allowing more precise control over your system. Lastly, Energy Tax Credits may be available on certain energy efficient rated heating and cooling products. These ratings generally increase with the purchase of full systems at the same time.

Be sure to ask about these along with the efficiency rating of your intended system. That may seem like a wide range, but it reflects the equally wide range of variables and choices available to a homeowner that we discussed earlier. Entry-level air conditioners offer single-stage cooling. Mid-range air conditioners offer two-stage cooling. Because of their increased efficiency, mid-range air conditioners can be great if you plan to stay in your home long-term.

High-end air conditioners offer variable-speed cooling. Because they provide you with the most control over your system, high-end air conditioners can be great if you want to address multiple problem areas in your home.

A pricing guide from even a few years ago can be horribly outdated. Why is this? Reasons can vary but include the following:. Most of these reasons can both increase or decrease cost, but the only constant is that costs will fluctuate as they each change.

As you research, make sure you're getting recent information. Your installer can advise if this is the case, but make sure to check that the warranty will still be valid. Remember: there might not be much cost saving between cleaning and reusing the old pipes compared with installing new ones. Chris's first bit of advice is to do your research and plan ahead before the heat or cold kick in. It's also a good idea to get at least two quotes if you can. Pros: The popular option, it offers a 'one-stop shop' where everything is handled for you.

Cons: You could be restricted to using a certain brand or type of air conditioner. Pros: Much of the process is still managed for you, but you have a bit more flexibility to shop around for a better price on your unit.

Cons: You still have to manage the logistics of buying the unit yourself, having it delivered and storing it until installation. You'll also be tied into using the retailer's preferred installer. Pros: Offers the greatest flexibility in shopping around for a good deal on your unit and working with an installer of your choice. Cons: Requires more research to find the best unit and right tradesperson.

We recommend finding an installer before buying a unit. Chris says: "The advantage of buying the air conditioning unit yourself is that you can shop around for the cheapest deal to save yourself some cash — there are often some bargains to be found online. Be sure to choose one that is licensed to install air conditioning. Availability can be an issue, especially in peak seasons, and some tradespeople won't want to do the install of a product they haven't supplied, or a brand they don't usually work with.

Refrigerant lines, plenums, condensate drain systems, controls, thermostats, zoning dampers, etc. Are we talking about a Ford Focus or a Bugatti Chiron? There are two main types of rooftop air conditioners; packaged or package units. The trend in newer homes seems to be going back to installing split air conditioners. The price range tends to be lower than split systems for two reasons. First, the highest efficiency package heat pump or gas pack is 16 SEER, so there are fewer options.

Second, there are many less labor hours and access issues associated with rooftop units. Usually: Single-stage compressors, ECM or variable speed motors , and upgraded features. Living in Phoenix, AZ, without air conditioning is not an option. Did you know there is another option to cooling and heating your home other than central air conditioning?

Ductless air conditioners and heat pumps also known as ductless mini-split units are the fastest growing segment of HVAC equipment sales in North America, and have been for several years now.

You can read about the price to install a ductless air conditioner or heat pump mini split in this post. If you live outside of the Phoenix are, we recommend you read about how to choose the right air conditioning company and check out some of our air conditioner side-by-side product comparisons. If the cooling system is too small to handle the addition, it will run more frequently, reducing its lifespan and increasing your energy bill. Only trained and licensed technicians are allowed to handle this chemical.

Professional installers can adequately measure your home to determine the best ductwork layout and unit size to cool your house to a comfortable temperature. Central AC unit costs can feel overwhelming. The cost to install a central AC unit in a new house is less daunting since central AC unit costs are typically built into the project in most areas.

No matter which situation applies, here are some ways to save money on AC unit installation costs. An in-person consultation will help the technician understand your needs and map out the best system. To feel more comfortable discussing your project, consider asking any of these pertinent questions about central AC unit costs.

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. EER Energy Efficiency Ratio is the standard measurement of energy efficiency for cooling systems throughout the year. The cooling output is divided by the electric input to determine the rating. A higher rating is more efficient, and a minimum rating of 13 has been required on all models since Central air units that operate at a 13 SEER can boost efficiency by up to 30 percent.

A 3-ton AC unit is a common size for most homes. Be sure to replace the air filters every few months to prevent the system from overworking to draw in enough air to operate correctly. Cover the outdoor AC compressors during the winter. Open the units and clear away any debris before turning on the AC in the spring or summer. Gently spray or clean off the fans and inner fins to ensure they can operate smoothly with all the airflow they need. Settling soil or tree roots can tilt the compressor and affect its ability to operate correctly.

The size and scope of a project dramatically affect how long it will take to install a central air conditioner. On average, it takes 1 to 5 days. Replacing a unit will take less time than replacing or repairing ductwork. It may take longer to install or upgrade an AC unit during a home addition if the ductwork is extensive or if a new unit and controllers also have to be installed.

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