If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In summary, it measures how capable your air conditioner is at converting electricity into chilled air. A high number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electric bills.
However, there are a lot of different models on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking usually involves a more expensive price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your house?
At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 928-251-4327. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at least 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 ranking is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 928-251-4327 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly evolved in the past several years, with major breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electric costs, as the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you around 30–50% on annual air conditioning bills. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your temperature 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 best efficient models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification shows the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more costly, you’ll usually get the difference repaid over the years through smaller utility bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, use about 8% less electricity than other new models, 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 work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your electrical bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air across your residence. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we recommend 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 specialists at Connolly Electric & Mechanical are here to assist you. Reach us at 928-251-4327 to request your free home comfort analysis today.
