If you’re needing air conditioner installation in Hodgenville, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Simply put, it examines how efficient your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electric bills.
However, there are lots of varying models out there for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number frequently involves a higher cost. So, how can you find out which one is best for your house?
At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 270-358-3167. Our skilled air conditioner installers will work with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give 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 made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at minimum 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner put in or what its SEER rating is, you can locate the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 270-358-3167 for assistance.
If your air conditioner was installed in advance of that date, it’s likely much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly advanced in the past few years, with huge breakthroughs in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on electrical costs, because the thermostat can intuitively manage 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 around 30–50% on annual utility bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.
Is a Higher SEER Rating Always Better?
An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient models, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This designation means the air conditioner matches EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently pricier, you’ll normally get the difference returned over the years through smaller power expenses. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less power than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your air conditioning expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can run for longer without consuming a lot more electricity.
When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to check that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner relies on this equipment’s blower to send cool air across your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. are available to help. Give us a call at 270-358-3167 to request your free home comfort analysis right away.
