Air Conditioning / July 23, 2019
Why Air Conditioner Installation Prices Can Vary
Air conditioner installation prices vary widely; some factors are taken into consideration that you wouldn’t even think about it. Here are some of the factors that determine the overall price to install an air conditioner.
AC Size
The first, and most important factor, that we need to consider is the size of the unit. Technicians measure air conditioner sizes in British Thermal Units (BTU). The strict definition of a BTU is the amount of heat that can lower or raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For ACs, BTU refers to the heat energy output of the system. You need to get the BTU right so that your house heats with the least amount of energy possible.
The following are some of the factors to help you choose the right BTU.
The Size of the House
A big house requires more energy to cool due to the high volume of air the system has to move. Thus, a bigger house needs a higher BTU than a smaller house.
The Local Climate
In moderate climates, you don’t need a high BTU because you only need a little cooling to control the house’s temperature. The situation is different for houses in hotter areas.
The Amount of Sunlight
Trees, houses, and other structures around the house may throw shade on the house and cool it down a bit. In such a case, you don’t need the same BTU as you would without the shade. Additionally, if your house receives a lot of sunlight or has a lot of windows, the exposure to light can affect the internal temperature and require a more powerful AC.
The Size of the Household
The more people who live in the house, the fewer the BTUs you need — even if the house size remains constant. Each human body produces heat. The more people in the house, the more heat their bodies produce — hence the need for cooling increases.
AC Features
ACs come with different features. For example, some ACs have different cooling levels. Some ACs have electronic ignitions, variable speed blowers, and automatic vent dampers, among other high-efficiency features.
Home Power
Your home’s ability to power an AC also makes an impact. If an HVAC professional is replacing an existing AC, your home likely has the necessary wiring and electrical capabilities to power the unit. If not, the technicians may need to do a panel upgrade and dedicate a breaker for the unit, which will affect the cost.
In some cases, your technician might also need to install line sets in order to run the refrigerant from the condenser coil to the evaporator coil.
Refrigerant Type
Air conditioners can run on a few different kinds of refrigerants — the fuel that cools the air as it passes through the unit. R-22, also known as Freon, has been used as a refrigerant for decades. But because it contributes to ozone problems, it has been manned from manufacturing, which makes it more costly to use. Most newer ACs use R410A as a refrigerant.
Labor Charges
The price of the AC is different from the labor cost that the installer charges to set up the AC system in your house. Here are some of the factors that determine the labor cost.
Ductwork Issues
The ductwork is the system of channels that transport air to and from the AC to the different parts of the house. If the house has sound ductworks, the installation costs will be much cheaper than if the installer also has to work on the ductwork.
Home Location
Service businesses base their prices on factors such as living standards, economy, and overhead costs, among other things. Some of these factors, such as the living standard and overhead costs, depend on location. Thus, your exact location also determines the installation labor costs.
As you can see, prices vary because the factors above will affect different houses in different ways. Don’t rely on hearsay or gossip from neighbors if you need a new air conditioning unit installed. Contact Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar to set up an appointment, and we will offer you high-quality work at a reasonable price.
