What Are Initial Costs?
When you're pricing an A/C replacement, you're looking at the initial costs. That includes the cost of buying the new air conditioning equipment and installing it, as well as making any modifications to the ductwork, site preparation and other related expenses.
Initial costs can run pretty high. Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to go as inexpensive as possible with the upfront costs, but what they don't realize is that this strategy could end up costing them a lot more money in the long run.
Understanding Lifetime Costs
The cost of operating, repairing and maintaining the air conditioner for the next 15 to 20 years is what is known as the lifetime costs. This even includes monthly energy bills related to the air conditioner's operation.
Total lifetime costs can be tied to four factors:
- Quality of the components - Higher quality components are manufactured to higher standards. These systems offer advanced features that increase the system's life span.
- Component durability - Higher quality materials translate to longer durability, fewer repairs and a longer system life.
- Maintenance costs for the system - Investing in a higher quality system will mean less maintenance overall.. An annual HVAC service visit is usually sufficient to keep the system running smoothly and efficiently.
- Energy efficiency of the system - Higher quality air conditioners come with higher SEER ratings. That means the system uses less electricity and has less wear and tear associated with normal operations. That means lower operating costs and lower energy bills.
If you fail to consider lifetime costs for your A/C replacement, you'll likely end up spending more. For more information on quality air conditioning replacement solutions, contact the experienced professionals at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air. We proudly serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.
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