If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Plover, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy costs.
However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically includes a more expensive price. So, how do you know which one is right for your home?
At Point Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 715-504-0533. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be 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 installed or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 715-504-0533 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with huge advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric bills, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies 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 repaid throughout the years through lower utility costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, 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 different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electrical bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to distribute cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Point Heating & Cooling are available to support you. Reach us at 715-504-0533 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.