If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Thedford, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electric bills.
However, there are many varying solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually is accompanied by a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your house?
At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 519-296-4437. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern 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 check the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 519-296-4437 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC bills, as the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll usually get the difference back throughout the years through cheaper utility costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and better, need 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 technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your power costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air around your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you. Reach us at 519-296-4437 to schedule your free home comfort analysis right away.