In today’s Hanover, MD, weather, it’s a necessity to have air conditioning in your home, especially if you live in an area with hot or humid weather. Before you go ahead and invest in a brand-new AC unit, it’s essential to know what kind of system you need and how much its installation will cost you. Keep reading to get yourself informed about AC installation factors and potential costs.
AC Installation: Factors to Consider
The overall cost of installing an air conditioner in your home will depend on a variety of factors.
Square Footage
First and foremost, the cost of installing an AC system will depend on the size of your home as well as the size of AC that you need for it. If you have a larger space, then you’ll need a more robust and customized system. Luckily, advancements in home-cooling technology have made it easier to keep even larger rooms cool. Still, expect to pay around $2.50 to $6 per square foot or more if you live in an area with a very hot climate.
Desired Level of Comfort
Do you want your whole house to feel cool? Or do you want specific spaces in your home to maintain a comfortable temperature? Or maybe you’re looking for a unit you can take around from room to room? Will you be keeping your AC on all the time or only at 50% during the hotter months? Ask yourself these questions while doing your pre-installation evaluation for your AC unit.
Home Efficiency
Look around your house and check if it’s currently doing an excellent job at staying cool. Do you have lots of west-facing windows that bring in the wind? Do you have lots of trees that provide coverage around your property? Do you live in an area where few buildings can block the wind? If you answered yes to these questions, then chances are your home already does an excellent job of naturally staying cool during the summer months. By contrast, your house will benefit from a more robust air conditioning system if your home has poor insulation or if you live in a more crowded and urban part of the city.
Needed Efficiency
In layman’s terms, AC efficiency is the ratio between the amount of heat that the unit removes and its power to cool up that space. In AC terms, this can be found in an air conditioner’s “SEER” rating. Some of the best AC units can save you a considerable amount of money on your average heating and cooling energy bill costs by having a higher SEER rating. However, it’s also important to note that ACs with higher SEER ratings usually have higher installation costs. Furthermore, it’s also important to consider what efficiency level is best suited to your home and preferences.
Typically, the average price for a standard AC unit providing a 13 to 14 SEER rating will cost you around $2,700 for installation. In contrast, a unit with a SEER rating of 24 will cost up to $6,800 for the total installation. Remember that while efficient systems cost more upfront, you will benefit more from lower utility bills over time.
Noise Requirements
Another factor that you may need to consider is the unit’s noise. Some people may need to adhere to their HOA’s noise restrictions, while some are noise sensitive and prefer a quieter model. Whatever your preferences and noise-related requirements are (if you have any), you’ll be glad to know that there are many units nowadays that operate quietly.
Types of AC Units
Other than the factors listed above, it’s also essential to consider the options available for your home. Here, we’ve listed down the four types of air conditioning systems you can choose from:
Window Unit
This is the cheapest type of AC you can get and will net you anywhere between $150 to $500. However, cooling is limited to just one or two rooms.
Split-Air AC
This three-part system includes an air handler, an indoor evaporator coil, and an outdoor condenser and compressor unit. The cost of a split system is between $2,000 to $7,500. However, you can cut costs by opting for an all-in-one package if you don’t have a furnace and ducts yet.
Packaged AC
If your home already has a furnace and you’re just adding air conditioning but do not have much space, then a packaged AC (central air AC) is a good choice. This system contains all the same elements as a split system but is bundled into one unit placed on your roof or the side of your house. The price of these units is between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the brand.
HVAC Package
If you’re looking to get a furnace and air conditioner in one, then an HVAC packaged unit is a great choice. These would cost you anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000. These also tend to have lower installation costs because the ducts they use are easy to install.
Portable Unit
If you live in a mild climate and only require AC for a few weeks every year, then a portable unit is a safe purchase. While prices may vary per brand, the average cost is comparable to a window unit. These also need no installation since they need to be plugged.
How to Reduce Air Conditioning Installation Costs
To help minimize the price of an AC unit, it’s a good idea to shop around and to see providers that can fit your home’s budget. It’s also a good idea to time your installation around the off-season, like the milder months of spring and fall. You may also qualify for federal and state rebates and discounts with an Energy Star-based system.
AC Financing
When it comes to financing a new AC for your home, cash is always the fastest option. However, if you don’t have thousands of dollars at your disposal, there are several ways to finance your unit.
You can opt for a personal loan, especially if you need to receive the funds quickly. You can also apply for a home equity loan, often referred to as a second mortgage. A home equity line of credit is also available in which your bank gives you a credit limit that can be reused over and over if you pay on time.
We’re Here to Help with Your Home Cooling Needs
Now that you know all about AC installation costs and factors that affect them, you’re all set to find the perfect unit for your home!
And if you’re looking for an affordable team of technicians to assist with your AC installation, we’re always ready to assist at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating. Specializing in a wide variety of cooling and heating services, our certified and friendly technicians are always just a call away to help with your home’s comfort systems. We also provide installment loan solutions for qualified borrowers with excellent consumer interest rates and extended repayment terms.
Contact us today at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating to learn how we can help with your new AC installation. We’re here to answer any questions you have and to help you make the best decision for your home and family. We can also help you with furnace installation, heat pumps, duct work, and indoor air quality. For your business needs, we handle all aspects of commercial heating and cooling.
