How Much Does an Electric Heat and Air Unit Cost?

If the air in your home is feeling stale, or you're battling inconsistent hot and cold temperatures, it might be a sign that your electric heat and air unit need replacing. Too many costly repairs, extreme temperatures, and general discomfort typically mean your HVAC is too old or overworked to heat and cool your home properly. Instead of battling the North Carolina weather outdoors and indoors, the better choice is to install a brand new HVAC unit.

However, purchasing a new electric heat and air unit isn’t a minor investment. This purchase is a long-term commitment for you and your family, so it’s essential to find an HVAC system and installation company that works for you and your budget.

Finding the right HVAC unit that fits your family’s needs and wallet might seem like a difficult task. At Swaim Electric, our HVAC contractors are committed to helping our customers find the best home heating and cooling solution for their lifestyle. Today we’re going to dive into how much and what determines an HVAC’s cost.

How Much Does an HVAC Unit Cost?

Even though asking how much an electric heat and air unit costs is a straightforward question, the answer is more complex than you’d think. There is no one size fits all HVAC unit price because no HVAC unit is the same. The unit’s size, heating and cooling capacity, and the time it takes to install all determine your electric heating and air unit cost, so every HVAC installation varies. However, the price is determined by a few different factors.

For those who are unfamiliar with HVAC systems, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning - the three responsibilities of an HVAC system. HVAC describes any type of unit that performs heating and cooling services to your home.

Despite its straightforward nature, there are plenty of components that go into your HVAC unit. Those components are broken down into different sections based on what they control within your unit.

The main components of an HVAC system that come to mind are the heating and cooling units, which consist of the air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump. The rest comprise of the following components:

• Filtration
• Air Filters
• UV Lights
  
  
• Controls
• Thermostat
  
  
• Delivery System
• Ductwork
• Vents
  
  
• Peripherals 
• Humidifier
• Dehumidifier 

All together, these various components are what impact the performance of your HVAC and its price point.

What Determines an HVAC Unit’s Price?

An electric heat and air unit’s price will vary depending on several different factors. Before installing an HVAC unit, it’s essential to consider these four factors and how they’ll impact the total price.

• The Unit
  
  
• Depending on the type of unit you install, some will sit on the higher end of your budget, while others will not. Factors like the SEER rating and higher energy efficiency impact how much your unit costs. The higher the rating, the better the unit, so consider what matters most before making a decision. Moderate efficiency and SEER ratings will have a mid-range price point compared to those that sit on the higher end of your budget and can work just as well. It truly depends on what kind of unit you’re looking for.
  
  
• The Location
  
  
• Depending on where you live, you’ll probably require an HVAC unit with greater heating or cooling capacity. In North Carolina, we experience hot summers, and most of our winters are pretty mild. You’ll likely want an HVAC unit with top-rated air conditioning features, so the humid summer months don’t phase your home.
  
  
• Necessary Ductwork
  
  
• Ductwork is what transfers heat and air throughout your home. If you have outdated or damaged ductwork, repairing this is incredibly important, so your HVAC unit can operate successfully. However, this is an additional expense in the installation process, so you might need to factor this expense into your budget if you have an older home.
  
  
• Your Home
  
  
• Surprisingly enough, your home is a determining factor for what kind of HVAC unit is compatible. Depending on the size and age of your home, specific units might be better than others.

As you can see, there are plenty of factors to consider before investing in an HVAC unit. At Swaim Electric, our team of experienced technicians understands the nuances and technicalities of installing an electric heating and cooling system. That’s why we’re here to help you find the perfect home heating and cooling option for your home while considering your budget.

Signs Your Electric Heat and Air Unit need Replacing

Before you decide to buy an electric heat and air unit, it’s essential to make sure your current unit is ready for a replacement; otherwise, a few repairs would suffice. The most common signs that your unit needs to be replaced are as follows:

• Multiple Repairs
  
  
• If your unit has undergone major repairs recently and is already experiencing new problems, it’s likely that your unit is too old or damaged to be fixed. Multiple HVAC repairs and repeated maintenance expenses will end up costing you more than installing a new unit.
  
  
• Faulty Air Flow
  
  
• Poor air quality and ventilation is a sign your unit isn’t operating correctly. If you’ve experienced poor airflow and quality for an extended period, likely, your unit isn’t capable of moving forced air and heat throughout your home any longer.
  
  
• It’s Age
  
  
• If you’ve had your unit for 15 or more years, chances are it’s no longer able to operate as efficiently as it had before. In these instances, instead of wasting money on repairs, a new unit will be more cost-effective.
  
  

For more information about when to buy a new unit, read our free resource When to Buy New Electric Heat and Air Unit.

Choose Swaim Electric for Electric Heat and Air Unit Installation

When it comes to your HVAC unit, you shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort, quality, or your budget. At Swaim Electric, our mission is to repair or install high-quality HVAC units for our customers, delivering one-of-a-kind customer service throughout the process. We realize that installing an HVAC unit can be a difficult decision, but with our expert technicians by your side, you’ll feel confident in your choices throughout the process. Plus, we offer customer financing on all our projects, so you can invest in an HVAC that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

As a Trane Comfort Specialist, Swaim Electric has access to the most energy-efficient, state-of-the-art HVAC units and performs Trane HVAC Installation in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, hvac High Point nc, and Climax, North Carolina.

Curious about what happens during an electric heat and air unit installation? We have all the answers waiting for you in our top-rated resource - What to Know Before Your HVAC Installation.