If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Safford, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it measures how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.
However, there are a lot of differing options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually involves a bigger price tag. So, how can you find out which one is right for your home?
At B&D Air Conditioning, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 928-432-6018. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your energy bills.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at minimum 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 unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 928-432-6018 for support.
If your air conditioner was replaced before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly changed in the past couple of years, with major advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, as the thermostat can intuitively regulate your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current 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 Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The best efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA guidelines for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference back throughout the years through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and better, need about 8% less power than other new units, 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 power bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electrity.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner depends on this unit’s blower to distribute chilled air across your house. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, 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 specialists at B&D Air Conditioning are here to assist you. Reach us at 928-432-6018 to request your free home comfort analysis now.