If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Circleville, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical bills.
However, there are many differing models available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking frequently is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your residence?
At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 740-474-5940. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 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 ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 740-474-5940 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric bills, because the thermostat can intuitively manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as big as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This designation shows the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over time through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your electric expenses reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to distribute cold air around your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling are here to support you. Give us a call at 740-474-5940 to book your free home comfort analysis today.