If you're in the market for a new air conditioning system, it's important to do your research. Different air conditioning brands have varying prices, with most manufacturers offering several lines that range from economy units to luxury units. Even if you opt for a professional installation, there are ways to save money on your new air conditioning investment. A ductless air conditioning system is an option for homes that don't have existing ducts.
This type of system allows you to cool an entire home without needing to install new ducts, which can be costly and invasive. Investing in a ductless system can help offset energy bills in the long run. When buying brand products, you should consider the air conditioning units, ducts and other expenses that will be added at the time of installation. Air conditioning systems are sized per ton, referring to the number of British thermal units (BTUs) that are removed from the air in an hour.
For any offer you receive, always check your final air conditioning installation quotes for possible pricing errors. In the case of homes that have never had central air conditioning, the installation requires installing new switches in the electrical panel, new cables that run through the foundations, new ducts that connect the existing air conditioning system, framing and finishing the ducts, and mounting the unit on metal supports or a concrete platform. The benefits of ductless air conditioning systems include low maintenance, the absence of ducts (which can be expensive to repair or replace), and quiet operation compared to central air conditioning. While it's possible to buy an air conditioner from a wholesaler and install it yourself, doing it properly requires serious knowledge.
Before signing a contract, make sure that your HVAC professional is licensed and committed to complying with local and federal regulations to avoid potential costs for improper installation. For whole-house systems, heat pumps usually cost more than central air conditioning, but they are much more energy efficient, making them more cost-effective in the long term. Companies can still manufacture new parts, such as capacitors with R-22, to replace them in existing units. Furnaces are the most common type of heating system and work by forcing air to pass through the ducts and vents of the house to heat it up.
Since the size of your home determines how many BTUs your air conditioner should have, the size of the unit you need will vary depending on the exact square footage of the house. To get an accurate estimate of how much your air conditioning installation will cost, it's best to consult with a professional HVAC technician.
