If you are searching for a new air conditioner, you may have noticed that it’s difficult to get an exact number as to what it will cost. This is because many factors go into determining the price of an air conditioner and its installation.
By knowing what aspects factor into the pricing for an air conditioner, you can help determine what features you need and what aspects you don’t necessarily want to pay top dollar for. Knowing this can help B&L Ott in Berks County help you choose the make and model that is the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Type
There are multiple types of air conditioners. There are central air systems with ducts, heat-pumps, mini-split systems, window units, and even portable air conditioners. Central air with ducts is one of the most popular types of air conditioners. These air conditioners are one of the cheapest ways to cool your entire home. Heat pumps are popular in warmer climates. Heat pumps can help provide extra savings in the right climate but have a higher initial cost compared to central air systems.
Mini-split systems are convenient options as they do not require ducts. They are a reasonable price if you only need to cool a single room or small area. However, if you need to cool your entire house, they are an expensive option. Window units and portable units are among the cheapest options. However, they will likely not provide the comfort that the other options can.
Size
Like most other household purchases, the size of the HVAC unit you need also plays a part in determining the price. The bigger the system you need, the more expensive it will be. However, size is not something you can afford to get wrong.
Choosing the right size is a very important part of selecting a new air conditioner for your home. Both a unit that is too small or too large can end up wasting money. A unit that is too small will have to run more often and wear out. A unit that is too big will start up and shut down more often which will also waste energy and wear out the parts. The best way to ensure you install the right size air conditioner is to get help from the professionals at B&L Ott.
SEER Rating
SEER is a rating given to HVAC systems to show how efficient they are. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. As you may have guessed the higher the SEER is, the more efficient the system is. This also means that the more efficient the system is, the more expensive the air conditioner will be. However, a more efficient unit will save you more over time.
When discussing a new system with B&L Ott think about if you rather have a cheaper initial cost while paying more later or if you rather pay more initially and save more over time. This can help determine which model is right for you.
Need for Ductwork
Another factor to take into consideration is whether you will need new ductwork installed or not. If you are getting a central cooling system and already have a duct system, this is something you likely won’t have to worry about. However, if you need any ductwork installed, you will want to consider the additional cost.
Replacing It Alone or With a New Heating System
When replacing your air conditioner, ask yourself if your heater will likely need to be replaced soon too. Buying your systems together can help you save. Some systems are even made to work with each other to maximize efficiency. This can save you even more in the long run.
HVAC Contractor
Finally, the contractor you choose to install your new air conditioner can affect installation costs. You may want to simply go with the cheapest offer, however, this can also mean that the installer may cut corners and not install everything properly. Then you can end up paying more trying to fix issues and get your system installed properly.
The best way to choose an HVAC contractor is to look at reviews or talk to others about which contractors are good and which ones cut corners. If you would like to discuss air conditioner installation with B&L Ott, you can contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact/. You can also call 610-927-5133.
