If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Booneville, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it measures how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into chilled air. A greater number signifies your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your electrical expenses.
However, there are lots of differing options available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating usually includes a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Booneville Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 662-269-8716. 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.
For the time being, let’s review SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric expenses.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner installed or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t see the sticker, you can give us a call at 662-269-8716 for help.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past few years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electric costs, since the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved 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 time through cheaper utility bills. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less power than other new models, 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 run at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electric costs low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can work for longer without consuming a lot more energy.
When adding a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this system’s blower to disperse chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Booneville Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Call us at 662-269-8716 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.
