If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Plover, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it looks at how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cooled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.
However, there are lots of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?
At Point Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 715-504-0533. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 715-504-0533 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with big advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced power expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more power.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure 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 residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 pros at Point Heating & Cooling are available to assist you. Give us a call at 715-504-0533 to book your free home comfort analysis now.