The cost of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is set to increase in 2023 due to a variety of factors. Raw material costs, labor rates, fuel and transportation costs, and changes in processes are all contributing to the rise in HVAC costs. Energy efficiency and cost are always directly related, meaning that the more efficient the unit, the more it will cost to purchase. This is great for reducing carbon emissions and helping consumers save on energy costs, but it also means that replacing an old air conditioning unit or heat pump will be more expensive.
The new energy efficiency standards mean that all new units will use less energy than before. This means that while you may have to pay more upfront when you replace your old unit, the energy savings will help offset some or even all of the additional costs. For example, compared to the old 13 SEER standard, a 14 SEER cooling unit will consume approximately 7% less energy. Unfortunately, most manufacturers of HVAC systems stopped producing units that did not meet the new standards as soon as they were announced.
This has caused a limited supply of less expensive units, so if you don't want to pay the higher cost you'll need to act quickly. At Homesense Heating & Cooling we install a full range of HVAC units, including heat pumps, air conditioning, furnaces and ductless minisplits. Our certified HVAC technicians can help you choose the unit that best fits your home and budget, and provide free estimates for all replacement services. We also offer financing for new equipment through approved credit.
In addition, our team specializes in cooling and heating system repairs and maintenance, as well as indoor air quality, ducting, thermostats, duct cleaning and inspection services. The SEER works as a measure of the cooling performance of an air conditioning system; a higher SEER indicates a more energy efficient unit. The new testing standard doesn't necessarily affect your current HVAC system, but it does mean that prices for heating, ventilation and air conditioning will be higher in the future. Inflation levels are declining which could mean that prices for air conditioning equipment won't rise as much as in the past.
However, it still costs more to hire qualified HVAC technicians than it did a few years ago. Arizona representatives are pushing for a six-month extension to give them enough time to adapt to the new requirement. It's especially important to buy high-efficiency HVAC equipment if you live in a place with high energy costs like Massachusetts. Ask Air-zona team if you want to finance the replacement of an air conditioning system or schedule adjustments with a worry-free HVAC maintenance plan.
Air conditioning equipment is still more expensive partly because it keeps getting better and better.
