If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Middletown, 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 effective your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy bill.
However, there are lots of differing models out there for air conditioners. And a better SEER number usually is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how can you determine which one is right for your home?
At SchagrinGAS Company, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 302-231-1380. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can influence your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
How Does SEER Rating Influence My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 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 put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 302-231-1380 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that year, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical expenses, as the thermostat can automatically change your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Ranking Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner meets EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often pricier, you’ll usually get the difference returned over time through reduced cooling 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 largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your family while keeping your utility costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air around your home. Furnaces only work for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at SchagrinGAS Company are available to support you. Give us a call at 302-231-1380 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.