If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Beckley, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?
At Appalachian Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 304-707-0600. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 304-707-0600 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling expenses. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines 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 reduced air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This improves comfort for your house while keeping your air conditioning bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Appalachian Heating are ready to assist you. Reach us at 304-707-0600 to book your free home comfort analysis today.