New air conditioner units are a substantial expense for an Arizona homeowner. If you are in the market for a new air conditioner unit, you should know that price is related to quality – better units cost more. You may pay as little as $3,000 for a basic central air conditioning system, or as much as $10,000 or more. Expect to pay at least $4,000 to $6,000 for a new, energy-efficient unit. Homeowners also have to factor in the cost of the installation of the air conditioner, the cost of the seasonal maintenance plan, and more.
The average cost of buying and having an air conditioner system installed is about $5,000. This cost can be lower, depending on many factors. Location is one of those factors; certainly, Arizona’s sweltering summers put a high demand on residential air conditioners. Other factors impacting the final cost include your home’s construction, any additional work needed to support the installation, and the individual contractor’s labor costs.
Purchasing a New Air Conditioner System
Here are the key areas to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner for your home.
- Location: Homes in greater Phoenix will certainly have different air conditioner requirements than a home in Michigan, for example. Northern U.S. homes, however, have greater heating requirements. Another indicator of how much air conditioning you need is how much sun hits your home throughout the day. Generally, more A/C capacity is needed if your home’s walls or windows face south and west.
- Construction: If your home was built with good insulation, then your air conditioner costs might be smaller. Insulating materials have a certain resistance to heat flow that’s measured by their R-value. The higher the value, the more resistant the material is, and the less heat it lets in. A smaller, less expensive air conditioner might suffice with a well-insulated home.
- Capacity/Size: Central air conditioning systems are sized according to the space they are intended to cool. The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the unit of measure used. Air conditioners come with BTU/hour ratings that identify the capacity per square footage.
- Ductwork: Central air provides cooling to every room, only because of the ductwork which comes with its own costs. Each duct system is custom-designed for the individual house. Aging systems may have to be replaced while improvements are often needed over time. It’s a professional job. The contractor will make recommendations during maintenance or if installing a new system, while properly sizing each component.
- Brand: A particular brand’s capacity, size, and features will impact the unit’s price, but each brand comes with its own cost. Along the way, it’s equally important to consider reputation and additional features, and determine if they are right for your home.
- Energy bills: Energy efficiency is a big deal these days. Have you done a home energy audit recently? Having that information can help in estimating your air conditioner needs against your home energy audit finding.
HVAC Service Company Installation
Local A/C contractors can also help you greatly in buying your next air conditioner unit. An Arizona air conditioning service, for example, can often offer you great deals on the purchase and installation of an air conditioner, due to their partnerships with leading brands like Trane. Your contractor can do unit load calculations, check your energy efficiency ratings, and work with you on warranties and electrical work, too.
Air conditioners bring peace of mind to Arizona homeowners, but they do come at a cost. Research your options and find an affordable way to assess the costs of new air conditioners for your home.
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