If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Bloomfield, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many varying options to choose from for air conditioners. And a better SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive cost. So, how can you find out which one is right for your residence?
At Stanford Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 812-825-8695. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner 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 discuss SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 812-825-8695 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Better to Install a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference back over time through lower electrical bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your home. Furnaces only run for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Stanford Heating & Cooling are ready to help. Call us at 812-825-8695 to schedule your free home comfort analysis now.