HVAC installation or replacement often becomes an expensive service. You want to ensure you get every detail right before you begin the installation process. Smart planning involves understanding the average cost of a new AC system and budgeting accordingly.
As your trusted AC repair service in Inverness, Florida, Fast Air Repair listed some factors that might influence your air conditioner installation expenses. Let our crew help you make an informed decision. You’ll learn how to navigate your options below, choosing the best fit for your Florida home.
Take Your Time Researching the Best HVAC System and Service for Your Home
Air conditioning usage has significantly increased nationwide within the past two decades. You might have noticed changes in your own habits. After all, summer temperatures in Inverness, Florida, climb into the low 90s, making a functioning, energy-efficient air conditioner essential for residential properties.
Therefore, carefully researching your HVAC options is a must to ensure you enjoy sustainable comfort year-round. While you might spend more on the initial AC replacement cost, you could save money throughout the new unit’s service life. You should also consider which Inverness HVAC company will best match your needs.
Look for a service provider that offers:
- Diverse financing options: When you finance your installation service and unit purchase, you can make affordable monthly payments to cover the costs.
- Special discounts: Some contractors offer specials to make their services more affordable.
- Comprehensive services: You want a contractor who can cover you throughout your new system’s service life. Repairs and regular maintenance help your air conditioner perform better for longer.
8 Factors To Consider When Shopping for New Air Conditioners in Inverness, Florida
HVAC installation pricing depends on numerous elements. Consider your house, comfort preferences, and areas where your previous unit fell short before purchasing a new unit. You will find some of the most important cost factors listed below. Your HVAC contractor can help you select the best option according to each listed influence.
#1 Home Size and Layout
No two homes are completely alike. Your home’s layout and square footage will affect your options. The size of your HVAC system should match the building size.
HVAC systems are measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). A system with a higher BTU can heat and cool larger homes. It also costs more than a unit with low BTUs.
However, choosing a system that doesn’t fit your home can lead to excessive repairs and premature failure in the following years. Plus, the comfort levels will not match the money you put into maintaining an ill-fitting system. Larger homes need systems with more BTUs for optimal performance.
You should also inventory your home’s layout. For example, you might have a room or building portion that doesn’t receive favorable air circulation. Therefore, a supplemental system could benefit your whole-house comfort and efficiency.
#2 The Unit’s SEER Rating
Each air conditioner has a different seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) determines how much power a system needs to reach the desired temperature setting. It measures a model’s efficiency.
Higher SEER ratings can increase the average HVAC system cost. If you have a strict budget, you might shop for units with lower ratings. However, these options will cost more in the long term. What you save on installation costs, you will inevitably pay for on your power bills.
#3 Compressor Types
The average cost of a new AC system also depends on the type of compressor your chosen unit contains. Manufacturers fit most air conditioners with one of three compressors:
- Single-stage compressors operate at full throttle at all times. They deliver excellent, consistent comfort with higher energy usage.
- Two-stage compressors have high and low settings, saving energy usage and preventing excessive wear and tear. You can use the low stage for mild weather during Inverness’s comfortable winter and early spring days. The high settings maintain comfort during extreme temperatures from late spring to early autumn.
- Variable-speed compressors automatically adjust their speeds according to setting demands. They deliver the best comfort with superior energy efficiency compared to their counterparts.
#4 Local Climate
The average climate in your region has a significant impact on the type of model you purchase. Therefore, it directly influences the overall cost to install a new AC unit. Climate combined with building size determines the number of BTUs needed to effectively condition and circulate air throughout a home.
The temperatures in Inverness, Florida, range from the low 40s to the low 90s, depending on the season. Your HVAC contractor will help you sort out how the temperature averages affect your comfort needs. Many Inverness homeowners prioritize air conditioning functions over heating capabilities since temperatures rarely dip below freezing.
#5 Service Fees
How much will your chosen HVAC company charge for the installation service? Fees typically depend on:
- The service complexity
- The number of work hours needed to complete the task
- The service quality and crew experience
Request estimates from at least three Inverness HVAC services before choosing one. Check their reviews, verify their years in business, and ensure their certifications and insurance first.
#6 Warranties
Some manufacturers offer generous warranties with their new units. A warranty might cover part replacements and service fees for a predetermined period. Read through each warranty’s conditions before settling on the model. Your warranty could save your comfort.
#7 Additional Features
You might need more than a basic HVAC system replacement. Many additional features stop working properly around the same time. Others might not readily carry over to your new system.
Adding these instruments to your air conditioning unit price can help you budget more accurately. Some homeowners install or upgrade the following:
- Ductwork
- Thermostats
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Air purifiers
This technology can improve your indoor comfort and health. However, they tack extra expenses onto the overall air conditioning unit price.
#8 Supplemental Air Conditioners
As mentioned earlier, some HVAC systems perform better when supplemented with additional, smaller systems. Window units, ductless mini-splits, and similar technology can enhance your comfort in more isolated areas. You can also minimize the system’s usage and maintain comfort in a single portion of your home.
What Is the Average Cost of a New AC?
Air conditioner installation costs vary by state. In Florida, the price fluctuates between about $3,000 and $12,000. Each of the above-listed factors will ultimately determine the final costs.
You might fear your budget won’t allow you to purchase a more expensive unit. However, cutting costs and corners during air conditioner installation is not only inadvisable. It can also cause significant issues for your home and wallet as the years pass.
Choosing a pricier model now might protect your home, health, and comfort in the future. Units with exceptional SEER ratings, variable-speed compressors, and generous warranties can pay for themselves over time. Your energy bills will dip while complete comfort becomes a lifestyle.
Inverness HVAC companies like Fast Air Repair offer numerous financing options to help you afford the initial replacement costs. The money you invest in the initial service might return to your wallet through lower power bills despite climbing temperatures.
Consult With Fast Air Repair in Inverness, Florida, About a New Air Conditioning Unit
Don’t go by the average cost of a new AC. Find out what your home needs and budget from there. Contact Fast Air Repair in Inverness, Florida, to determine whether a conventional AC unit or a model equipped with modern bells and whistles is best for you. Call 352-234-4701 to schedule a consultation with our technicians.