If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Hodgenville, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it measures how efficient your air conditioner is at converting electricity into cooled air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical bills.
However, there are lots of different options on the market for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often includes a bigger price tag. So, how can you determine which one is best for your home?
At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 270-358-3167. Our experienced air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your energy bills.
Does SEER Rating Really Matter?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at minimum 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 270-358-3167 for help.
If your air conditioner was installed before that year, it’s likely much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past few years, with major progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on air conditioning costs, since the thermostat can intuitively change your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual electricity costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is the Higher the SEER the Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation signifies the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper air conditioning costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, need about 8% less power than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your house while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can go for longer without consuming a lot more power.
When installing 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 disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we recommend furnace installation at the same time so you can receive all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. are available to assist you. Reach us at 270-358-3167 to request your free home comfort analysis today.
