If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Troy, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it examines how productive your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical expenses.
However, there are a lot of different solutions to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER ranking often is accompanied by a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your home?
At Edington Heating & Cooling Inc, we give you a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 937-558-9478. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will work with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also offer you a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s review SEER ratings and how it can affect your family’s comfort. And your utility expenses.
Does My Air Conditioner’s SEER Rating Matter?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to 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 installed or what its SEER rating is, you can find the sticker on the unit outside your residence. If you can’t find the sticker, you can reach us at 937-558-9478 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly advanced in the past couple of years, with big advances in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Using your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you save even more on cooling costs, because the thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.
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 electrical costs. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Wiser to Invest in a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a greater SEER rating will be more efficient at transforming electricity for cooling. The best efficient models, which can go as big as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced electric costs. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and higher, consume about 8% less electricity than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed technology. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your residence while keeping your cooling costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more balanced, since it can operate for longer without needing a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner relies on this unit’s blower to disperse cold air around your home. Furnaces only run for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, 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 professionals at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc are available to help. Give us a call at 937-558-9478 to set your free home comfort analysis now.