If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Safford, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric costs.
However, there are many different solutions on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically is accompanied by a more expensive price. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At B&D Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 928-432-6018. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work 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.
Right now, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can affect your home’s comfort. And your electric bills.
Why Do the SEER Ratings Even Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated 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 number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 928-432-6018 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly evolved in the past couple of years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical bills, since the thermostat can seamlessly manage your temperature settings when you’re gone.
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 costs. Your savings are contingent upon your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules 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 cheaper air conditioning bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and better, use about 8% less electricity than other new units, 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 work at different speeds. This improves comfort for your home while keeping your air conditioning 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 check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to disperse cold air across your residence. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at B&D Air Conditioning are available to assist you. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 to request your free home comfort analysis now.