If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Bloomfield, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric expenses.
However, there are many different models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a bigger price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your residence?
At Stanford Heating & Cooling, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 812-825-8695. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your family’s comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. 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 unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 812-825-8695 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, as the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back over the years through lower air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less electricity 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 operate at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When adding 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 chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Stanford Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Reach us at 812-825-8695 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.
