If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Alliance, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling costs.
However, there are many varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your house?
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 308-321-4703. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 308-321-4703 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual utility expenses. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper power bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at different speeds. This refines comfort for your residence while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces are here to support you. Reach us at 308-321-4703 to request your free home comfort analysis now.