If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Logan, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how effective your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A high number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your energy bill.
However, there are a lot of varying options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating often is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Western Mechanical, Inc., we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can book one by contacting us at 435-753-5515. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can affect your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.
How Does SEER Rating Affect My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be 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 check the sticker on the system outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 435-753-5515 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in before that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly change 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 costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Ranking Optimal?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient systems, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over time through reduced electric bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This improves comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cool air throughout your home. Furnaces only run for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. are ready to assist you. Reach us at 435-753-5515 to book your free home comfort analysis today.