When it comes to repairing or replacing a malfunctioning air conditioner, residential and commercial owners need to consider what are the costs of AC replacement versus the cost of repairs. This will tell you whether the AC replacement is worth it or if you are better off getting your air conditioner repaired.
In addition to the obvious costs of replacement, there can be some unexpected or hidden costs of AC replacement as well. In this article, we take you through some of the hidden costs of AC replacement.
To learn more or schedule your air conditioner replacement or repair in St. Louis, contact the experts at Galmiche & Sons today at 314-993-1110.
What Are the Known Costs of AC Replacement?
Normally, when you contact an HVAC professional, the quote you get from them for air conditioner replacement will consider the following cost related factors:
- Size of the property where AC will be installed – The larger the property, the more powerful the AC should be. Higher powered ACs cost more.
- SEER rating of the unit – An AC with a higher SEER rating is more energy-efficient, powerful, and safer – offering better features than other ACs. This makes the initial investment more expensive too.
- AC installation charges – The more labor hours put in or, the higher the degree of wiring complication, the greater the AC installation charges will be.
- Permits – Some commercial and industrial spaces need specific HVAC permits to install or replace their air conditioners. These permits will add an extra cost.
List of Hidden AC Replacement Costs You Normally Won’t Know About
In addition to the costs mentioned in the previous list, there are sometimes other hidden costs of AC replacement you need to account for as well. These costs are incurred depending on how your property is constructed and any other AC installation-related upgrades or modifications that need to be done.
These hidden costs of AC replacement include:
- Electrical wiring replacement or modifications – Your electrical systems may either be old and worn out, or they may not be the right type for the new air conditioner you are getting installed. Often, the extent of electrical wiring modification is not known until you get the electrician over to inspect your connections.
- Damage to ductwork system – The ducts in your homes carry the cooled air around your property. But, if the ducts of your home are damaged or leaking, the AC cooling will not reach every part of the house. Not only can this prevent your property from being properly cooled by the AC, but it can also increase your electric bills significantly. As such, ductwork repairs may be a necessary part of AC replacement.
- Broken, rotten, or missing studs – The ceiling or wall studs give your air conditioner a stable foundation to be installed on. Without these wall studs, or when they are broken or rotted, your AC is at risk of being on an unstable foundation. Replacing your studs is a must in these circumstances.
- Drywall installation or repairs – Sometimes, AC replacement requires your drywall to either be modified or re-installed. If the drywall is cracked, then it must be repaired. Property owners seldom take this expense into consideration when replacing their AC system.
How Much Will AC Replacement Actually Cost?
Given all of these known and hidden costs of AC replacement, you may need to spend anywhere between $2500 to $7500 to replace your AC. In comparison, air conditioning repairs and servicing can cost you only a couple of hundred dollars while ensuring your AC remains in good condition for much longer.
How to Reduce Your Costs of AC Replacement?
If repairs do not cut it, then there are some ways to lower your costs of AC replacement. Here is what you can do:
- Get the AC installed during off-season – This usually means autumn or winter season, when it is significantly cooler, and many people don’t get ACs installed. Your HVAC provider may even be willing to offer discounts on both the units and the labor charges.
- Always plan by overestimating your expenses – When setting money aside for AC replacement, keep at least 15%-20% extra aside for overshot spending.
- Discuss your budget with your HVAC contractor – Being upfront with the HVAC contractor can be a great way to ensure you stay within your budget while avoiding hidden costs of AC replacement. At Galmiche & Sons, we can recommend premium-quality AC units from Goodman, which have excellent features and are very affordable, perfect for small budgets.
Request a Cost Estimate for Your Air Conditioner Replacement
If you are ready to request an estimate for AC replacement or want to learn more about whether AC replacement or repair is the most affordable option for you, contact the heating and air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today.
