When Shopping for an Air Conditioner, Consider Lifetime Costs

Replacing an air conditioner is a sizable home investment. The best plan is to review the key factors of AC systems and be certain you have the information necessary to compare prices, efficiency ratings and HVAC installers. For a long term investment, like home comfort systems, you need to look at lifetime HVAC maintenance and overall energy usage.

Installation and System Replacement

The initial investment shoppers are typically concerned with is the sticker price of a new air conditioner. This “first cost” doesn’t take into account other factors, like the installation and any necessary changes or alterations your home may need. It’s simply the “out-the-door” price.

A home system as significant and sophisticated in design as an air conditioner is going to incur additional costs over the years. The estimated sum of these additional expenses is the lifetime cost. It’s wise to approach your new cooling system search with lifetime costs in mind rather than the short-term first costs.

Quality of Life and Energy Consumption

The quality your new air conditioner certainly effects first costs. Higher-efficiency AC systems offer more substantial components and energy savings. Ask your HVAC contractor to perform a lifetime cost analysis of these cooling system options.

• Lifetime costs – This includes the sum of the first costs and installation, as well as the estimated energy usage, maintenance and cost of repairs for the expected life of the new system.
• A/C quality – Weigh the benefits of choosing a system with quality components, such as variable-speed blowers, scroll compressors and electronic expansion valves, over a standard system with average quality parts.
• Durability – Higher-efficiency components endure less wear and are better constructed, leading to fewer issues down the road. Future repairs are an important factor in lifetime costs.
• Efficiency – High-efficiency air conditioners can deliver as much as 30 percent lower cooling bills than standard models.
• Return on investment (ROI) –  Your HVAC contractor should provide the ROI period, which is the approximate time period you may expect before a higher-efficiency A/C pays for its higher first costs through monthly energy savings.

Learn more about All American Heating & Cooling’s AC replacement solutions, or call us today at (941) 451-5228 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced HVAC professionals.

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