A lot of factors come into play when buying a new air conditioning system for the home or business. If budget is a huge factor, you need to know and consider all of your air conditioner costs before making the final decision.
For more information and for help determining your air conditioner costs in the greater St. Louis area, contact the heating and air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today!
Upfront Cost Does Not Cover All of Your Air Conditioner Costs
While they are often a big concern, the upfront air conditioner costs are not the only thing that you should consider when buying a new system for your home or business. What may seem to be a good deal at first because of the cheaper price tag may turn sour at the end if the air conditioning unit turns out to be a dud.
Recent advancements in the heating and cooling industry have made it possible for people to enjoy some of the most energy efficient equipment. If you have been shopping around for a good deal, you may have noticed that initial air conditioner costs of units that have a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) tend to be a lot higher than the rest.
That is because these systems make use of advanced technology to lower their energy consumption while providing more consistent and efficient cooling. These units also make use of two-stage compressors—low and high speeds—so there is less on-and-off cycling and an extended lifespan. As a result, these units can result in huge cost savings over the life of the unit, thanks to the improved performance and efficiency. So while upfront costs are higher, you may end up saving more in the long term.
Factors to Consider When Computing Air Conditioner Costs
Here are some of the air conditioner costs you will incur when purchasing a new system:
- Purchasing and operating costs – Most air conditioning systems that have a low purchase cost come at a higher operating cost. Since they are lower in quality, they may be prone to breakdown, which entails calling in an HVAC company to do the repairs. They may also be less energy-efficient compared to their more expensive counterparts, resulting in high energy bills. On the other hand, an air conditioner with a high SEER rating will have a high purchasing cost and a lower operating cost. In the long run, an air conditioner with a high SEER is often the wiser investment because the lowered utility bills will more than make up for its high up front air conditioner cost.
- Air conditioner installation costs – In order to protect your investment, quality installation of your newly purchased equipment is an absolute essential. House size, ductwork system, equipment brand, and SEER rating also come into play when calculating the installation cost of your unit. Rest assured that the installers of Galmiche & Sons can install your St. Louis AC unit quickly and efficiently, and in accordance to the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Maintenance costs – Aside from the purchase cost and the energy bills, there are also maintenance costs to consider. Aging and low-quality air conditioners often require frequent servicing, while AC units that use less energy and run at low speeds will often only require an annual maintenance service, preferably before the start of the cooling season.
Why Air Conditioner Costs Matter
When it comes down to it, purchasing a high quality, energy-efficient AC unit often pays off in the end for most. So do not make the mistake of basing your decision solely on a unit’s price tag. Take into consideration other air conditioner costs as well because they can all add up in the end.
If you would like to learn more about air conditioner costs and receive an estimate for a new air conditioner installation in your St. Louis home or business, contact us at 314-993-1110 for your heating & air conditioning needs.
