If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Hodgenville, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at turning electricity into cold air. A greater number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.
However, there are lots of differing options out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number usually includes a higher price. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?
At Phelps Heating & Cooling, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 270-358-3167. Our experienced air conditioner installers will work with you to help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.
How Does SEER Rating Impact My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are required to be at least 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 installed or what its SEER number is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 270-358-3167 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has rapidly changed in the past few years, with major developments in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on cooling costs, because the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.
If your present air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling costs. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Number Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification shows the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through lower cooling bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and higher, use about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at different speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your power bills low. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this system’s blower to distribute chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the perks of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Phelps Heating & Cooling are here to support you. Call us at 270-358-3167 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.