If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, you should also be investigating your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it examines how effective your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cold air. A bigger number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your cooling expenses.
However, there are many different solutions available for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number usually includes a bigger price tag. So, how do you know which one is best for your residence?
At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 928-251-4327. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will collaborate with you to help you locate the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.
For the time being, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how it can impact your home’s comfort. And your utility bills.
How Does SEER Rating Impact My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government created new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the north United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you don’t know when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER ranking is, you can look at the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t find the sticker, you can give us a call at 928-251-4327 for help.
If your air conditioner was replaced in advance of that year, it’s presumably much less efficient. Cooling technology has rapidly evolved in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on air conditioning costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly regulate 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 close to 30–50% on annual electricity expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Better to Get 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 great as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner has achieved EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll normally get the difference repaid throughout the years through smaller power bills. These air conditioners, which are usually rated 16 SEER and up, consume about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the biggest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your loved ones while keeping your energy costs down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can operate for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to make sure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is because your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to send cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is around that mark, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Connolly Electric & Mechanical are ready to help. Give us a call at 928-251-4327 to request your free home comfort analysis today.