The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that approximately 44% of homes in the country were built before 1970. This means that the majority of the residential properties likely have heating and cooling systems that have exceeded their functional lifespan. If your home is one of them, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC system with one that is more efficient.

In this article, we’ll take a look at four of the factors that determine the cost of an HVAC system.

What factors determine the cost of an HVAC system?

Not all HVAC systems cost the same. Prices vary depending on the following factors:

#1 Size of the Home

The larger the home, the larger the HVAC system you will need. And -- as you might have guessed -- the larger the HVAC system, the higher the price.

If you think you can save money by investing in a smaller HVAC, think again. If it’s too small for the home, it will have to work twice as hard to cool or heat the entire space. Similarly, if it’s too large, it won’t be able to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Ask a professional HVAC technician to help identify the ideal size HVAC system for your home.

#2 Energy Efficiency

Does it have the Energy Star rating? Energy-efficient HVAC systems may cost more than ordinary ones, however, you will be able to recoup most of your expenses. Since Energy Star-certified HVAC systems use less energy, you can save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills every year. Your ROI (return on investment) can be as little as a couple years.

Plus, appliances that bear the Energy Star rating tend to last longer than regular ones. The average Energy Star appliance lasts about 12 years, opposed to the standard 10 years. This means that you won’t have to replace your HVAC system as often.

#3 SEER Rating

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the efficiency of an air conditioner by evaluating the cooling output and electrical energy input. As a rule of thumb, the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner. Likewise, the greater the energy efficiency, the higher the cost.

In the U.S., all air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 13 (low efficiency). However, you shouldn’t buy an air conditioner based on the SEER rating alone. You must also take into account the persistent heat and your cooling needs.

#4 Ductwork

Does your new HVAC system match your home’s ductwork? If not, you may have to face the additional cost of duct installation or replacement. The cost varies depending on the size of the home and the work required. Hence, it’s ideal to consult a professional who can inspect your ducts before buying a new HVAC system.

The Bottom Line

Unlike replacing a microwave, toaster, or television, replacing an HVAC system is far more complicated. If you buy the wrong system, you may end up with one that doesn’t satisfy your cooling needs, or worse -- you may have to spend thousands more to redo your home’s ductwork.

Before buying a new HVAC system, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC company. They can help you choose the right HVAC system for your home.