If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Genoa, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it gauges how productive your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling bills.
However, there are lots of different solutions out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often includes a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your home?
At Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 847-306-8990. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can influence your loved ones’ comfort. And your utility costs.
Does SEER Rating Really 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 847-306-8990 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual cooling 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 consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through reduced cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your cooling expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can run for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only run for about 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 ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air are ready to support you. Give us a call at 847-306-8990 to book your free home comfort analysis today.
