Air conditioners are important fixtures in the home. They keep interiors cool during the heat and discharge any discomfort a person would have had. Globally, the United States is one of the biggest users of air conditioning. Suppose you plan to join the expanding base of users, then this article is for you.
In the following sections, we will provide the cost of an air conditioning unit, factors that may influence its price, and tips to extend the lifespan of your AC.
Cost of an Air Conditioning Unit in Boca Raton
Air conditioning units differ in type, quality, size, and features; this makes it hard to give a single price. Generally, however, buying an AC unit in the United States will cost you anywhere between $1000 and $15000. This depends on the surrounding factors.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Air Conditioning Unit
As mentioned earlier, many factors influence the cost of the air conditioning unit you get. Knowing this is important to gaining satisfaction from your final choice. Below are several factors:
The Manufacturer
The more prominent a brand is, the more likely the chance of getting higher prices. The cost of an air conditioning unit can be determined by how dominant a brand is. So, if you’re aiming for a popular brand, you may need to prepare to spend more. An easy way around this, though, is to observe the differences.
Usually, there are fresh tweaks to certain AC functionalities. If you find out that you don’t need some of these, simply go for what fits your wallet and your house best.
Installation Service
The installation company you employ will influence the cost of an air conditioning unit. Some companies have cheaper offers while others are expensive. However, it is important to note that low prices do not guarantee quality. To avoid future problems from a shoddy job, you should research the service company thoroughly.
Things such as licenses, brand reputation, employee expertise, etc., should be at the top of your research list. You might also want to compare the company to others in the business. This will help you make an informed choice. For instance, Erica’s Plumbing and Restoration, is a leading installation service in Florida.
In addition to this, the total cost of your unit can also be affected by the time you install it. Installation companies are usually preoccupied during warm periods, such as the summer, and may be hard to secure. This means hiring them in such periods will likely come at an increased cost. If you delay till a cooler season, you can get them to do the job for a lower price.
Efficiency
The efficiency of AC units is determined by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating. SEER is measured between 13 to 25. The higher your unit’s rating, the more Efficiency you get. However, this also means higher running costs for you.
To avoid high purchase costs and subsequent installation bills, you can opt for a lower SEER. A rating from 14 to 16 is decent and runs efficiently. While avoiding costs, it is important to also consider later expenses. With high energy efficiency, you can prevent exorbitant electricity bills, thus making the price worthwhile.
Maintenance
This is another factor that influences the cost of an air conditioning unit. Some AC units come with special maintenance packages, and these cost more. The advantage they have, however, is the long-term relief that they offer. You can recover the price later with lesser running costs as you go.
Lifetime
The lifespan of your AC affects its cost. Averagely, AC units have a lifespan of 15 – 20 years. Prices can rise depending on the length that you settle for. A good way to extend the life of your unit is by proper maintenance of its components.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Air Conditioner
Apart from the cost of an air conditioning unit, there are several other factors to consider when buying a unit. We have outlined them below:
Air Conditioner Type
There are different types of air conditioners in the market. Each one is appropriate for unique home conditions. For you to select a compatible unit, it is best to research the different types beforehand. A few types of air conditioners are Split system air conditioners, window air conditioners, and portable air conditioners, among others.
Room Size
You mustn’t randomly select your AC. You may want to look at the size of your room to understand the AC capacity it needs. If your room is small, go for a unit with a smaller tonnage. If it is large, go for something bigger. This will reflect later on your satisfaction.
Peculiarities Of Your Living Space
If your home is on the upper floors of a building or has a lot of sunlight, you may want to consider your cooling needs. This will play out in your final unit choice.
Air Filters
Air filters are routine components of AC units. Some units, however, come with extras such as anti-bacterial filters, odor removal, and several others. If you have health concerns or you’re particular about air quality, you may want to settle for these features. But they can also up your bills. However, if they are not necessary, you can opt for something else.
The Split Versus Window Dilemma
Split-system air conditioners have their perks. Window air conditioners are also great if you consider certain qualities. For one, window ACs do not cost much but offer fewer functionalities. Split system models do, but they give you your money’s worth.
Yet it is not your choice. Window ACs require proper window dimensions to be installed. This can determine what you eventually settle on.
Noise Level
Some AC types are noisemakers. If yours is a home with kids, you may want to install low-noise models to help them sleep. This also applies if you sleep lightly. Window air conditioners are typically louder than split-system air conditioners. Some ACs also come with noise reduction modes.
Smart ACs
There are internet-enabled AC models that come with numerous features. These include voice commands remote control, and temperature control functionality. They tend to be more expensive than regular ACs.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Current AC
The cost of an air conditioning unit is quite high. Maintaining one where it has suffered severe wear is also intense. To avoid the price tags of either option, here are some valuable tips to help you out:
Keep The AC Cool
Though they are designed to give cool air, they need cooling too. Place your internal and external AC components in spots that are away from heat. The outdoor unit should ideally be placed under shelter, where it is not exposed to the sun. If you put it under a tree or other greenery, be sure to keep twigs and leaves out.
These can get stuck in the fan or some other component. Also, ensure that it is not within range of dirt or seated directly on rough ground. Pollution-prone areas can clog the system and cause it to malfunction. For the indoor unit, situate it at a fair distance from hot appliances and sun rays.
Remove Obstacles
When objects surround the AC unit, it may struggle to perform and, consequently, underdeliver. It is best that you keep furniture, drapes, and other hindrances away from the system; these block cool air from circulating freely, working better in some rooms than others.
In addition to this, clean any dust that obstructs the smooth performance of the AC.
Air Ducts
Ducts are the transmission lines of your AC unit. They carry cool air through the different parts of your building. However, if there is a break or leak somewhere, this flow can be interrupted and consequently affect your enjoyment. You should conduct a regular inspection of AC ducts to ensure there is no damage.
You should also check the insulation, provide support where necessary, and keep the house free of rodents and destructive insects. This will help save maintenance costs in the long run.
Air Filters
Another way to avoid the fresh costs of an air conditioning unit is to keep filters regularly maintained. Air filters are one of the most critical components of your unit. They also have an equal proneness to damage. To extend filter life, be sure to check them regularly and clean any residue you find there.
They can often be clogged with dust and many other particles. Problematic filters can cause a lag in air conditioning performance. Also, note that the lifespan of a filter ranges from one to two months. Regular changes are important.
Check For Debris
AC units work best with proper maintenance; debris can severely impact their flow. So, make consistent checks to clear your AC of any dirt. For the indoor unit, check to ensure that water is not pooling around it. Also, inspect the drain lines for problems with water flow.
You should keep the outdoor unit clear of potential dirt, as well. Grass, mud, and pebbles can damage air conditioner health, and you should have them away from it. You can refer to the guides that the manufacturer provided for cleaning directives.
Professional Maintenance Checks
To ensure that your AC is at top-notch efficiency, you may also want to have experts check it out. This can be done periodically. When selecting a service company to maintain your unit, you want people you can trust. Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration offers excellent and thorough AC checks which you can take advantage of.
With years of experience and technical competence, we are an exact fit for your needs.
Contact Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration in Boca Raton for Air Conditioning Services
There’s no fixed cost of an air conditioning unit. It depends on different factors. However, unless you’re moving into a new home, you don’t always need to bear those prices. Proper maintenance ethics will help your current one last longer and save money. When you complement this with a good choice of AC experts, you can rest assured you’ll get value for your money.
