AC Installation Webster: The Costs Explained

How Much Does AC Installation Webster Cost?

If you just received a quote for AC Installation Webster, it might confuse and surprise you:

• The quote might include too much technical jargon and unfamiliar acronyms.
• The price might produce a little “sticker shock.”

A short explanation of the AC Installation Webster process might make the quote understandable, with enough information to make a wise decision.

Lifespan Note

Notice that your quote represents the replacement of both air conditioning and furnace components. This might seem unnecessary since the furnace system was probably in fine working order—they typically last about 5 years longer than air conditioners. However, it is virtually impossible to replace these systems separately, so they must be replaced simultaneously.

What Are You Purchasing?

The possible AC Installation Webster configurations may include:

• An air conditioner and an electric furnace
• An air conditioner and a natural gas furnace
• A heat pump system with either as auxiliary heat

Air conditioner systems move heat from inside the house to the outside, while heat pumps move heat from outside to inside the house. This is a very efficient method of heating in Houston. If your quote is unclear, ask your HVAC professional to be very clear.

How Many Tons?

Air conditioning is sold by the ton, and furnaces are sold by BTU output. What in the world does all of that mean?

• Before producing the quote, a technician created a Load Calculation. The Calculation used the square footage, the insulation value, the size/number of windows and doors, the layout of the home, and other factors.
• The Load Calculation recommends a certain size air conditioning system; an example might be 3.5 tons. This measurement does not refer to the weight of the unit, but the potential to move heat. One ton of air conditioning will move 12,000 BTUs of heat from the home per hour. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. A 3.5-ton air conditioner will move 42,000 BTUs of energy per hour from a home.
• The Load Calculation will also recommend a furnace that will produce sufficient BTUs of energy per hour to adequately heat a home.
• Do not be surprised if the cooling and heating BTUs are not the same. Many variables determine these numbers, and one size does not fit all.

Efficiency Ratings

Another acronym-rich portion of the quote relates to efficiency standards.

• Air conditioners are tested and rated by the US Department of Energy, using a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER rating. The higher the SEER number the more efficient the system; current models range between 14 and 22 SEER.
• Systems with greater efficiency will cost more. The technician can help calculate the amount of time it will take for lower energy costs to pay for the increase in SEER capital.
• Natural gas furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE rating, with numbers ranging between 80 and 98.5%. This rating determines the percentage of potential energy in natural gas that is captured by the furnace. Some energy will be lost through exhaust.
• Electric furnaces have a 100% efficiency rating since all of the potential energy from electricity can be captured by the furnace.

Additional Items

• Some installations will require the replacement of ductwork throughout the home, and others will require some adjustment of existing ductwork to match the new system. The quote might reflect such alterations.
• Some systems will include enhancements, such as UV lights installed inside the ductwork to neutralize (kill) organic airborne allergens and pathogens, including pollen, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses.

AC Installation Webster: HVAC Technicians You Can Trust

If you are researching AC installation Webster, you need to have a trusted source to ask all of your questions. That’s why Doctor Cool is here to help you with your AC installation Webster questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.