Well, some of you might have already guessed this, but it can be more difficult and expensive to install an AC during the hottest days of the summer. Customers might be too hot and inconvenienced to do their research and find the right system or professional installation team that fits their home and preferences. It’s no fault of their own, but it’s a reality of this kind of purchase in an industry that depends on the local climate.
Right now, while temperatures are still slightly mild, let’s talk about how you could make some serious steps toward installing a new air conditioner and staying more comfortable (and efficient) this summer.
Air conditioners and heating systems don’t last forever. If they did, we’d live in a much different world. But machines break down over long periods of time, from cars to HVAC systems, and this is just a physical reality of the world we live in. We don’t want to lie to our customers and tell them that their air conditioner will be fine going into its 16th year of service, but we also don’t want to be too pessimistic and force anyone into a replacement.
In truth, there’s a middle ground between repair and replacement, and customers need to find that for themselves. But there’s no reason why we can’t guide you!
Today, we’d like to focus on air conditioning replacement in Cedar Rapids, and more specifically, when it’s time to finally call it quits. A replacement could not only be the most cost-effective choice for you currently, but it could relieve a lot of stress and make your life easier going forward.
For years, many customers have had one or two small window AC units that cooled specific rooms like bedrooms and offices for exceptionally hot days. These units are cheap and easy to use, making them good for budget decisions that keep you comfortable during the hottest days of the year.
But record-breaking temperatures are only continuing to get worse and window AC units aren’t actually as good as you might think. Sure, they feel better than having no air conditioning, but what if we told you that a central air conditioning system, or other AC installation in Waterloo, IA could actually be more energy-efficient and convenient?
Yep, it might finally be time to retire that old window unit and upgrade it to a system that keeps you and the entire family comfortable. Let’s talk about some reasons why an upgrade is such a good idea.
Air conditioning is all over the news these days. It’s not by accident either, there are record-breaking heatwaves happening all over the country–and we’re still barely in August.
This means that you’re likely getting inundated with advertisements about central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless systems, and more. But why can’t you just rely on your old window air conditioner?
Well, you can, but it’s not going to be as reliable as a more robust system. Window AC units are not as powerful, efficient, or as convenient as central air conditioners.
In fact, central air conditioners are almost better in every single way, and window units are only better in very specific situations (like small apartments and tiny homes).
We talk a lot about ductless HVAC systems on this blog. In fact, people are just talking about these systems everywhere nowadays and it’s important to know why. The honeymoon phase of this new technology being “exciting” and “innovative” has slowly gone away, but their absolute dominance in the field of comfort and efficiency is here to stay.
Ductless heat pumps are powerful mounted systems that can run both air conditioning and heating. They don’t require air ducts and they function via air handlers in your home. This is what they are on the surface, but once you dig a bit deeper, they get a lot more enticing if you can believe it!
Just remember that a ductless system isn’t for everyone and every budget. They tend to run more expensive than standard central AC or heating systems. Be sure to speak with an expert for your ductless air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA.
For anyone who isn’t entrenched in the HVAC industry, there are a number of terms and quite a bit of jargon that may not make much sense. There is some jargon you don’t need to know–but others that are helpful to have a basic understanding of. Tonnage is one of the latter.
Tonnage is an essential part of new air conditioning installation and AC replacement. You can always trust the Dalton technicians to successfully and reliably install your air conditioner, no matter what type of air conditioner you choose to have installed. But understanding a bit more about tonnage and how it applies to your new air conditioner can help you understand why it’s so important that you only trust the pros to service this system. Read on to learn more!
Buying a new air conditioner is a big investment. Looking into it before warmer weather arrives gives you more time to compare your options, not just the upfront price, but also what the system may cost to operate month to month, the type of system you want, and the efficiency level that makes sense for your home. For a deeper look, check out this guide on air conditioner installation costs.
The average cost to install central air conditioning ranges from around $5,000 to $12,000, so it helps to plan ahead.
When you’re looking at system sizing, it’s important to think about the cooling capacity and cooling power your home needs. The right AC unit size depends on the square footage of your space, and the size of your home can directly affect the final installation price since larger homes typically need larger systems.
There are several types of cooling systems to consider. Window units can be a practical option for smaller spaces, while central systems and central air units are usually better suited for whole-home cooling. You can also look at air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling and are known for strong efficiency.
If you’re considering a ductless system, a pre-installation evaluation should include a review of your existing ducts and refrigerant lines. Some modifications may be needed to support a new AC system. It’s also helpful to check for air leaks and evaluate how well your home holds heat so your new HVAC system can be sized properly and run efficiently.
A pre-installation evaluation can cost between $250 and $2,000, depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the energy audit.
During installation, adding a new AC unit or doing an AC replacement may also require electrical work, such as installing a dedicated circuit to support the new system. Financing options like a home equity loan or home equity line can help manage the average cost of a new AC system. Financing options for new AC installation may include home equity loans, HELOCs, personal loans, and cash-out refinances.
Choosing a high-efficiency system with a higher SEER rating can lower your energy bills over time, even if the upfront cost is higher. Regular maintenance and professional installation also matter if you want to avoid costly repairs and help your system run the way it should. Investing in yearly maintenance can help extend the life of your AC unit.
For this kind of work, it’s best to have a trained professional handle the installation. An experienced HVAC technician can match and size the right AC system for your home and your needs. A properly installed system is more likely to run efficiently and deliver consistent results throughout your home. Below, we’ll walk through the factors that affect AC installation cost.
More and more homeowners throughout the Cedar Rapids area are seeking ways to cut expenses and explore alternatives to their current HVAC methods in order to do so. Geothermal energy can often get overlooked, with folks assuming that it’s “just as expensive” as any other type of air-source heating and cooling applications.
But this simply is not the case. Geothermal cooling and heating may be the perfect solution for your home. Below, we’ve outlined how this might be the case. If you want to keep your home as comfortable as possible, as affordably as possible, read on!
When homeowners are looking to purchase a new air conditioner, they go into it knowing it’s a huge investment. Therefore, they may be tempted to cut corners and do an installation on their own to save money. However, the thing about big investments is that you really need an experienced professional on your side to make sure it operates as effectively and efficiently as it’s meant to. So, our answer to “Is it difficult to install a ductless mini-split” is going to be, “For you, maybe not… for one of our professionals, definitely not!”
Installing a ductless system on your own could leave you with a system that doesn’t operate as well as it could have otherwise or with broken air handlers later on down the line, which we’ll elaborate on below. Read on as we uncover what you need to know about ductless installation.
Temperatures are starting to warm, and with that change in the weather, you may be wondering if your air conditioner is ready for another hot season ahead. Of course, if you’re making that decision now, it could be tempting to rush into a purchase before summertime hits in earnest. Rushing a decision like this, however, can be a mistake, leaving you with a potentially inefficient air conditioner and/or an improperly installed air conditioner.
We’re going to assume that you’re not rushing into this purchase, and this is why you’ve decided to read this blog post. With that, we’re happy to share some information that may help you make a careful, educated decision about your next air conditioner purchase. Read on!
