Summer arrives and you find yourself dripping with sweat because your air conditioner is no longer running properly. Or even worse, you opted not to install a new AC to save money, it’s time to rethink the plan.
While not all air conditioning repairs are as costly as you think, now may be a chance to make the investment of having a central AC replaced to cool your home efficiently. Maybe your current unit is old enough that you think it would be best just to replace it altogether, or you feel its time to upgrade to one of the latest, more efficient systems.
Selecting the Best Air Conditioner Unit For Your Reno Home makes you and your family comfortable.
Whatever your concerns or issues are, hiring a professional to assess your situation and help you make the best decision for your family is the most important step to take before you make any hasty decisions. Knowing all about this and when one is the better option is necessary to have a full understanding before you spend more money than necessary.
What are my options and the average cost?
There are many factors to consider before giving precise numbers for this answer. For central air units, homeowners can expect to spend between $3,000.00 and $7500.00 depending on the area and the amount of equipment needed for the job.
If you have the option to purchase window units instead, be prepared to spend at least $350.00 for a reliable one. The size of the area to be cooled is the biggest deciding factor in which one and what size you will need.
There are a few different types of air conditioner systems you have as options, here are a few:
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- Split system: This type unit is the least used type in cooling homes. They consist of either central AC systems installed in both indoors and outdoors or a ductless “mini-split” kind.
- Window AC units: You may see this option used more in regions where hot climates aren’t as demanding are long lasting as others, such as, summers in the south versus those that people experience in northern states.
- Central air conditioning: These are typically a combined heating and cooling system that uses ducts for dispersing the air throughout the home.
- Portable AC units: These types are relatively new to the market and make it possible to move the equipment from room to room by way of an evaporating system or hose.
Window units will typically suffice in small rooms or climates that never reach extremely high temperatures during summer months. But here in Reno / Sparks, they usually cannot keep up. The cost can vary depending on the size room you need to cool when choosing the AC size to purchase.
Typically, price’s runs anywhere from $150.00 to over $300.00. Choosing this route can no doubt supply cold air to an area at a reasonable cost, but don’t expect it to be as powerful as a central AC unit.
If your home has a large floor plan with multiple rooms requiring cooling, you may want to consider having central A/C installed for a more efficient cooling system. Systems such as these can cost anywhere between $1500.00 and over $7500.00 depending on the brand and size required.
The difference in cost will depend on installation and if ductwork is included. These important factors will help you decide which system is right for your home.
How many BTUs you need
The first deciding factor in choosing what type of AC system you need will be the size of the home. The size is determined by how much heat it can remove from the area in one hour as measured by BTUs (British thermal units).
For more on measurements http://www.calculator.net/btu-calculator.html
It goes without saying that the larger the area is that requires cooling, the more power you will need. However, you want to make sure you aren’t installing an AC that is too powerful because it will consistently turn on and off, overusing energy. However, installing a unit not large enough will force the system to run continuously without adequately cooling.
When deciding what type and size of unit you need for your home, it is important that you consult a professional HVAC contractor who has training in calculating the elements that help make this determination. These are:
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- Size of the home
- The climate of the home’s location
- Square footage of the area
- Orientation and shape of the home
- Existing vents and ductwork
- Seals and leaks
- Insulation
A universal rule that contractors use in determining the correct system to install is for every 500-600 square feet, one ton of cooling is calculated. Each contractor has their standard of measuring for determining installation.
HVAC professionals each have a variety of ways they analyze a home’s characteristics when determining how much air is lost, such as the sun’s rays and geography.
Do your homework
Before you plan a unit installation, it is important that you do your homework to ensure you make the best decision for what your home needs. If you have decided that a central or a split unit is the right choice, you will need to hire a professional who has a license issued by the EPA to make the installation. Installations that involves dealing with refrigerant is not a do-it-yourself project.
The proper installation of AC system requires more than one professional to complete the detailed process. The contractor may be the one that makes the decision as to what unit is right for the job, he/she will need helpers to assist with the ductwork, wiring, mounting and overall start-up and cleanup once installation is complete.
Consider this as one of the most critical equipment investments you will make for your home improvement. With this being said, you will want to put your trust into a company that has a proven reputation for being cost-efficient and professional.
All Hours Air Heating and Air Installation Professionals can provide you with everything you need to get your home comfortable for the upcoming hot summer days. Call us today to establish a time we can sit down with you and help determine the perfect solution for your air conditioning needs.
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