If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Wyandotte, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is great for your energy expenses.
However, there are lots of varying models available for air conditioners. And a better SEER rating typically involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is ideal for your home?
At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 734-284-1224. Our skilled air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical costs.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 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 find the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 734-284-1224 for support.
If your air conditioner was put in in advance of that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with huge developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on electric expenses, as the thermostat can seamlessly regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your thermostat 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 highest efficiency models, which can go as great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through smaller utility costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your cooling costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without needing a lot more power.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send chilled air around your residence. Furnaces only last for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting 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 professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to support you. Call us at 734-284-1224 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.
