No matter how well you take care of your air conditioner, you'll have to replace it. For people who wish to keep their houses cool during the summer, installing a split system air conditioner is a cost-effective investment. Air Conditioning split systems are a common option among homeowners. These systems are energy-efficient and provide comfort for the entire household. Making the decision to install a new unit can be challenging because there are many variables that affect the cost. For more details on the variables that determine your installation costs, see this article.
Type Of AC System
Air conditioning systems come in a variety of shapes, sizes and cooling capabilities. The size and shape of your home's air conditioning system affects installation cost—the more expensive the system, the more space it takes up on your roof plus the larger the ductwork required to install it. Models range from ducted split systems that use ducts for circulation, then split that air into individual rooms, to heat pumps that circulate warm air from inside your home to cool down areas outside. Packaged central air conditioners feature everything you need in one unit—from its own ductwork to its own blower—and are often cheaper to install than other models.
System Size & Cooling Capacity
The other factor affecting cost is cooling capacity, which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). This measures how much heat the unit can remove from the air per hour. Again, a unit that is too small or too large for the space will not operate efficiently, so it is important to select a unit with the right BTUs for your needs. Once you have an idea of the size and cooling capacity you need, you can begin to compare prices from different contractors. Be sure to get quotes for both installation and equipment so that you can accurately
SEER Rating
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measure of how efficiently your air conditioning system works. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system. The average residential unit has an SEER rating between 13 and 15. The lower the number, the less efficient it is. It takes more energy to cool air from 75 degrees Fahrenheit than it does from 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, you should aim for an SEER rating of 14 or higher for optimal efficiency and comfort.
Additional Installations
There are a few other factors that can affect your split system air conditioning installation cost. If you need to have additional ductwork installed, this will add to the cost. Additionally, if you have an older home and need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate the new air conditioner, this will also add to the cost. Finally, if your home is not level, the installer may need to level it before installing the outdoor unit, which will add to the cost as well.
Ductwork and Vents
If you want your air conditioner to be able to control more than one zone, you'll need to make sure that it can handle the electrical requirements of those zones. If not, you'll have to buy separate units for each zone or find an air solutions company who can install them for you. The cost will depend on how many zones are controlled by each unit; however, it generally's cheaper when there are only two zones controlled by one unit than when there are four or more zones controlled by multiple units that share a single control box.
