If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Mobile, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical expenses.
However, there are lots of varying options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating typically involves a bigger cost. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your house?
At Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 251-471-2674. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate 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.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER rules. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northern United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the condenser outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 251-471-2674 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past several years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® designation. This endorsement shows the air conditioner meets EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over time through reduced power costs. These air conditioners, which are frequently rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at a number of speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your power costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more electricity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is since your air conditioner depends on this equipment’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc are ready to support you. Call us at 251-471-2674 to request your free home comfort analysis today.