If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Greensburg, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.
However, there are a lot of varying solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a bigger cost. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Wallpe Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 812-663-7252. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 812-663-7252 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on utility expenses, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
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 utility expenses. 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 using electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper electric bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less power than other new systems, 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 varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your electric bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electricity.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your home. 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 receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Wallpe Heating & Cooling are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 to book your free home comfort analysis right away.