If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Mechanicsburg, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it looks at how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many differing solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a higher price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your house?
At H & H Service Company, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 717-220-4502. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical costs.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners must be 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 replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can check the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 717-220-4502 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in prior to that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has quickly evolved in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on AC expenses, 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, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® designation. This certification signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference repaid throughout the years through reduced cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, need about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your house while keeping your energy bills down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more electrity.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send chilled air across your house. Furnaces only work for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at H & H Service Company are ready to assist you. Give us a call at 717-220-4502 to set your free home comfort analysis now.