Do you need a new air conditioner? Call JC Mechanical at 720-740-6083.
No matter how well you take care of your air conditioner, eventually, you’ll need a new one. Keep reading to learn the five biggest factors that affect your AC installation cost. As Denver’s trusted AC installation company, JC Mechanical offers competitive rates and reliable installation.
1. Type of System
Homeowners can choose from many different shapes and sizes of air conditioners.
Ducted Split Systems
Because most houses have existing ductwork, a ducted split system is the most common type of AC system. This centralized system places part of the air conditioner outside and part inside and connects them by copper tubing.
In general, it runs more efficiently than a packaged system but less efficiently than a heat pump or mini-split. Ducted split systems cost more to install than packaged and mini-splits but less than heat pumps.
Ductless Mini-Splits
When a home doesn’t have existing ductwork, a network of mini-split air conditioners provides an affordable solution. The inside portion of a single mini-split unit sits on the wall near the ceiling and provides cooling to one or two rooms, depending on its size.
A single mini-split costs less to install than other systems, but if you have multiple rooms or areas that need cooling, the cost adds up.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide heating and cooling with a single unit rather than requiring both an air conditioner and a furnace. Installing a heat pump costs more than other systems, but they use less electricity, meaning you’ll save money long-term on your energy bills.
Packaged Central Air
Rather than splitting between an indoor and outdoor unit, the packaged central air sits completely outside, often on the roof. They’re great for smaller houses and much more affordable to install; however, they’re more prone to weather damage.
2. Equipment Size & Cooling Capacity
The size of your home, the quality of your insulation, and the number of people all affect the size of the air conditioner you need. When selecting the right size, remember that, when it comes to HVAC systems, bigger is not always better. While an inadequate system won’t keep up with your temperature needs, a too-large air conditioner will skyrocket your energy bills.
A skilled HVAC technician can assess your needs and situation to determine the best size of device for your home. In general, the bigger the system, the higher the cost.
3. SEER Ratings
An air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio greatly affects your AC installation cost. The rating measures the cooling output of the air conditioner compared with how much electricity it uses throughout an entire season.
SEER ratings range from 13 to 28, with the high numbers offering greater energy efficiency and, thus, lower utility bills. The higher the device’s SEER rating, the greater the installation cost.
Choosing the right SEER rating is a decision between short-term and long-term savings. If you have a small budget during installation, you can choose a lower SEER rating but end up paying more in energy costs over the life of the air conditioner. However, if you pay for a device with a higher SEER rating, you’ll make that money back over time with lower energy costs.
4. Additional Installations
During installation, you can choose several additional features or add-ons to increase the comfort of your home and the control you maintain over your system.
Zones & Controls
Whereas traditional central air systems cool every room in the home to the same temperature, zone controls allow a homeowner to separate areas in their home and set each designated region a different temperature. A network of mini-split devices can accomplish the same effect, but if you have ductwork, consider asking your HVAC technician about zone controls.
Purification Systems
If someone in your home is vulnerable to allergies or respiratory issues, consider the benefits of installing an air purification system. HVAC technicians most commonly use two types of whole-home purification systems:
- Electronic: The technician installs the electric purifier in your ductwork, and using an electrical charge, it grabs pollutants like a magnet. This purifier works well for homes with cigarette users because smoke particles are too small for normal filters.
- Ultraviolet: UV filters use the disinfecting power of ultraviolet rays to effectively purify the air in your home and eliminate bacteria and organic compounds. Depending on the type, the technician can install them in your ductwork or near your evaporator coil. UV filters cost less to install than electronic filters.
Humidity Control
You can install humidifiers or dehumidifiers to increase your control over the humidity in your home. While your air conditioner removes much of the moisture in your home, it can’t function on the same level as a whole-home dehumidifier, and it can’t add moisture into the air if it’s too dry.
5. Ductwork, Vents, & Returns
With proper care, your ductwork should last between 10-15 years, which is roughly the same duration most air conditioners last. Before your HVAC technician installs a new ducted air conditioner, they’ll inspect the rest of your system to determine if it also needs repairs or replacement.
If you’re replacing a mini-split system or window air conditioners, consider upgrading to centralized air and installing new ductwork. While it greatly increases the overall cost of the installation, it allows for more efficient energy use and increases the value of your home if you ever consider selling.
The technician will also verify you have enough vents and returns to adequately regulate your home’s temperature. The bigger your home, the more vents you need. The HVAC specialist can add more ductwork if they believe it’ll increase your ability to affordably cool your home.
Call JC Mechanical for AC Installation Today
Now that you know everything that affects AC installation costs, JC Mechanical can help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. No matter your HVAC system specifications, we help your home stay comfortable year-round.
When it’s time for AC installation, JC Mechanical gets the job done right. To book an appointment, call 720-740-6083.
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.
