One of the most frequently asked questions our team hears is, “how much will a new air conditioner cost?” The short answer is, “it depends.” We know, you came here for a simple answer. But it’s important to know what factors impact the cost of a new AC system in Palm Beach Gardens, FL so you can make an educated choice rather than a hasty one.
For example, you’ll want to select the correct size. This is not as simple as you may think either—our professionals conduct what’s called a load calculation to determine what the appropriate size is. If you go too small, the system can’t adequately cool your living space. But go too big, and the system will shut on and off too rapidly—an inefficient process known as short-cycling.
What Other Factors Impact Cost?
You have many options to choose from when it comes to selecting a quality air conditioning system. But to make the right choice, it’s important to understand how the following factors play a role in how much your AC installation will cost.
System Model: The design of your cooling system will affect the cost of its purchase and installation. For example, a central AC system may involve the installation or repair of ductwork—in which case could make it a more complex—and costlier—installation than, say, a ductless system. You also may alternatively choose a heat pump, which will vary in costs.
Energy Efficiency: No matter what type of AC system you choose, each of them comes with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which is a measurement of its efficiency. The lowest SEER available on the market today is 14, with the highest being 20. In general, the higher the SEER, the higher the upfront costs will be—but, you’ll also see significant energy savings month-to-month, which can give you a significantly higher return on investment in the long run than a lower-efficiency system.
Current Air Ducts: Does your current ductwork have leaks, or have they accumulated damage over the years that you haven’t had repaired? Installing a new central air conditioner without addressing these air duct problems doesn’t make much sense. Repairing your ductwork first, though, will of course impact the cost of your AC installation and should be factored into your decision.
How You Can Save Money after Installation
It’s understandable that you’d be concerned about the cost of air conditioner installation. However, there are many ways that you can save on your monthly energy costs, which can quickly pay some of those installation costs back.
Set Your Temperature Higher: Setting your air conditioner as low as possible right when you get home doesn’t make your living space cool down any faster. In fact, it drains a lot more energy from the system then it otherwise would. Instead, find a comfortable temperature and keep the thermostat at this setting.
Upgrade Your Thermostat: If you are still using a manual slider thermostat, then you are missing out on a multitude of energy-saving benefits. Consider upgrading to a digital, programmable, or even a smart—WiFi—thermostat.
Change Your Air Filter: You should be doing this at least every 3 months during heavy periods of use, and even more often if you have significant contaminants in your home, such as pet dander and/or cigarette smoke.
These are just a few ways you can save month-to-month in order to offset your initial air conditioner purchase. We’d be happy to discuss more energy-savings methods with you when you give us a call!
At Envirotech Air Quality Services, we care about our customers. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC and ductwork services.
