If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Mount Hope, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling bills.
However, there are many different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually involves a higher price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?
At Appalachian Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 304-707-0600. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 304-707-0600 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical expenses, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity 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 higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll normally get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper electric expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air around your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Appalachian Heating are ready to support you. Give us a call at 304-707-0600 to book your free home comfort analysis today.