Whether you are replacing your air conditioner unit because it has broken down completely or you are sick of paying too much in energy costs due to an old, inefficient system, you are probably wondering how much a new air conditioner installation in Corsicana, TX, will cost you.
The average cost of installing a new air conditioner unit for a typical home in Corsicana — which is generally one or two stories and around 2,000 square feet — runs in the range of $5,000 to $7,000. But some mid-size homeowners can expect to shell out as much as $20,000 for larger systems. No matter how you look at it, it is a major financial investment.
So, what makes air conditioners so expensive?
Bear with us while we explain what goes into estimating the cost of installing a new air conditioner in your Corsicana home.
The cost of an air conditioner is based on four factors: efficiency, size, features, and the installation itself. We will go into detail about each of these four cost factors in this blog. But if you are ready to get an estimate for an AC to install right now, schedule an estimate online with Area Wide Services today or visit our HVAC installation page for more information about our services.
The Efficiency
An air conditioner’s efficiency is measured by a unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, more commonly known as the SEER rating. SEER ratings range from 13 (the lowest) to 22 (the highest). The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient your system will be, but also the higher the price.
However, you have to think about the long-term benefit of buying an energy-efficient air conditioner unit. You might shell out a higher amount when you initially buy the system, but you will more than make up for its cost within a year or two because of how much you will save in terms of your energy costs.
The Size
It goes without saying that the larger the AC unit, the more it will cost. But did you know that the “size” of an air conditioner does not refer to its dimensions? The size of an AC unit actually refers to its cooling capacity (i.e., how quickly it can cool a space in an hour), and is expressed in tons. So, when you see a “tonnage” value on an air conditioner unit, that is a reference of how quickly it can cool a space.
Keep in mind that when we talk about tonnage, bigger is not always better.
It is more important that you find the AC unit with that perfect “Goldilocks” capacity for your home. If you get an AC unit that is too small for the space, it will work endlessly to cool your home, resulting in higher energy costs. Get a unit that is too big, on the other hand, and it will cool your home and shut down too fast, resulting in “short cycling.” Short cycling is bad news for your air conditioner as well as your wallet; because it takes more power to turn on your air conditioner over and over as opposed to when it is running efficiently as it does in longer cycles, a huge amount of energy is spent, which will ultimately drive up your energy bills. In addition, this on/off cycle causes extra wear and tear on your air conditioner’s mechanisms, shortening its lifespan and necessitating an early replacement.
You can use an online air conditioner capacity calculator to determine what “tonnage” is perfect for your home. Though, just for reference, typical residential AC units range between 2 to 5 tons or 24,000 to 60,000 BTU per hour.
Equipment Add-Ons
Do you want your air conditioning unit to be capable of “learning” your daily schedule and increasing or decreasing temperatures based on whether you are home or not? A smart thermostat is going to run you a significantly higher price than a standard thermostat.
The same can go for systems that have specialized fan blades and extra insulation around the compressor for noise reduction, those that notify you when their air filter needs to be changed, those with multiple fan-speed settings to give you a more precise climate control level and those with air purification to improve air quality and decrease the humidity in the home. All of these bonus features will add more to your AC cost.
The Installation
One of the elements in the price quotes you will get is the cost of installation. In most cases, there will not be much difference in this amount for any similar brand or model. The installation process is the same for all similar equipment.
However, the cost of installation can vary a good deal from contractor to contractor. That makes your choice of a local HVAC contractor to supply and install your system important. Don’t make your decision on price alone, though. Look for contractors who:
- Have years of experience
- Have a good reputation for quality work
- Include labor warranties as part of the installation
- Offer preventative maintenance and emergency services
Professional AC Installation in Corsicana, Texas
For reliable and affordable AC installation service you can trust, contact the HVAC experts at Area Wide Services today. Our licensed Corsicana TX HVAC Specialists are happy to answer any questions you have or to schedule your service.
Give us a call at (903) 874-5298 to speak with an HVAC pro today! Also, please visit our blog to gain additional input on caring for and maintaining your HVAC systems.