If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Plover, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at changing electricity into chilled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.
However, there are many different solutions available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating frequently is accompanied by a higher price. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?
At Point Heating & Cooling, we provide 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 choose the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost 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 look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 715-504-0533 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has rapidly advanced in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling expenses, because the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate 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 converting electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electric bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to send cool air across your house. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Point Heating & Cooling are available to help. Give us a call at 715-504-0533 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.