Six Things That Affect HVAC Installation Costs
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 percent of current housing within the United States was built prior to 1970. As the majority of heating and cooling systems within residential and commercial properties have a functional lifespan of approximately 20 years, home and business owners must sooner or later consider their options for system replacement. Whether you require an AC installation in Newberry, FL, to replace a unit with a functional lifespan or you desire an HVAC upgrade for optimal indoor comfort, our HVAC company is your first call. Consider the following factors that affect HVAC installation costs.
1. Type Of AC System
Air conditioning systems are manufactured in a wide range of different shapes and sizes as well as multiple options for cooling capabilities and energy efficiency ratings. The type of air conditioning system chosen significantly affects the ac installation cost, with regard to the cost of the system and the system components as well as the cost of professional installation. The most common types of AC systems include ducted split systems, ductless air conditioning units, heat pumps, and packaged central air conditioner systems. LIBERTYAIR provides customers with three different options for ac unit installations — from good to most-efficient — to meet every type of budget and to help customers leverage the benefits of a welcoming indoor environment. Our most-efficient options provide residential customers with discounts and up to $4,000 in rebates! Contact our technicians for assistance with choosing the optimal type of cooling system for your space — we will happily explain the benefits of each type of system.
2. Equipment Size & Cooling Capacity
When it comes to choosing the size of your new system, bigger is not always better. The most important considerations regarding choosing a new HVAC system goes beyond the physical size of an HVAC system — the size of the AC unit refers primarily to cooling capacity. The larger the system, the higher the equipment cost due to inadequate cooling capabilities for the intended interior space. Undersized units with too small of a cooling capacity may constantly run, resulting in ineffective cooling and increased cost of monthly utilities. Oversized units with too large a cooling capacity may too quickly cool the interiors, resulting in the removal of required indoor humidity and irregular functioning and wear-and-tear of the unit, which may lead to future system breakdowns. The skilled technicians with our HVAC company in Newberry will ask a number of different questions to ensure your unit is properly sized regarding the space occupancy and required usage, and they will take measurements of the interiors.
3. SEER Ratings
Among the most important factors of distinguishing HVAC systems is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) use the SEER to rate the efficiency of air conditioning systems — this number takes into account the cooling output of a unit and the total electrical energy input during a season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit. Likewise, the greater estimated energy efficiency of a unit, the higher the cost of the unit. However, systems which offer higher energy saving and operation efficiency are typically less expensive to operate. The added cost of the equipment is essentially paid through lower monthly electricity bills. The United States federal government requires that air conditioners have a SEER rating which ranges from at least 13 (low efficiency) to more than 28 (high efficiency). However, the determination of AC unit energy efficiency may require additional considerations regarding the persistent heat and the constant requirement for users to adequately cool the interiors throughout most of the year. Contact us for more information about energy savings within your commercial or residential space.
4. Additional Installations
In addition to the cost of the unit and the cost of AC installation, other considerations which affect HVAC installation costs include add-ons to the system as well as simultaneous heating system replacements. Homeowners who want to leverage all of the possible benefits regarding their indoor cooling system may opt to include ultraviolet air purifiers and humidification systems or dehumidification systems to their ac installation. While the inclusion of these types of systems can serve to effectively cleanse the indoor air and improve the overall indoor air quality (IAQ), they may also add to the cost of system installation — this includes cost of the system, cost of the installation, cost of additional parts required to connect the cooling unit and added system, and any other additional items required to install multiple HVAC components. What’s more, central air system replacement typically costs less than new central air system installation. Homes without central air infrastructure, require installation from scratch to install components required for new system installation, such as ductwork, drains, and controls wiring. For more information about adding central air conditioning, contact us today.
5. Ductwork, Vents & Returns
Additional cost considerations regard the presence of and/or the condition of existing ductwork in a living space. If the home requires new ductwork installation or duct replacement, the cost of your new system installation will likely increase. The cost of ductwork installation may vary due to the size of the space and the amount of ductwork required for adequate cooling; the simplicity of complexity of ductwork, as determined by the interiors of the home; the material used within ductwork; and the degree of difficulty of accessing the space for ductwork installation. For those with existing ductwork, our technicians will inspect the ducts prior to the HVAC system installation to avoid any installation complications. We may also recommend air duct sealing to repair old or decayed portions of the ductwork, air duct cleaning to ensure that the ducts function optimally, and in-duct air purifiers to improve your IAQ and to benefit your new system. Our technicians will also inspect the number of present vents and return vents that feed cool air into the home and pull warm air back into the cooling system. The more interior space which requires cooling, the more supply vents and return vents are required. Installing addition vents will likely increase the costs associated with your HVAC installation.
6. Zones & Controls
Zones and controls considerations may also affect the costs of a system installation. Interior structures which require a multiple-zone air conditioner typically comprise spaces which require multiple types of conditioning within different rooms. Variable cooling may be beneficial for large homes which require greater cooling power in rooms which retain higher heat, such as kitchens and bathrooms, than other rooms, such as dining rooms and garages. Technological innovations within the HVAC industry, such as wireless thermostats, provide customers with additional control over their heating and cooling systems. Wireless thermostats offer added convenience by allowing homeowners to access their HVAC system remotely. However the greater the required amount of zones and cooling controls, the higher the cost to install the new HVAC system. For more information on zoning and control options, contact LIBERTYAIR.